Fashion Designer Anika Gupta is bringing culture and fashion together
Fashion designer Anika Gupta didn’t even think about wearing a handwoven lehnga or Benarasi sari for some of her wedding purposes. When her mother-in-law talented her some heirloom saris, when she was older she decided to wear them. “I wondered why I did not identify with them in the moment. Then I realised that they were too heavy.” However, as a young woman, she preferred the very same with motifs that were lighter and in a pastel shade.
In Bageecha, the ideology was straightforward, to retain traditions of Varanasi. The essence of a fresh and young module. The vintage glass chandelier, the bangles, the plate of little bindis carry the charm and together with its own simplicity, rustic vibe, and vibrant exuberance. Gupta’s family is among the earliest to work with Varanasi’s weavers. Their old showroom is at Banaras House at Connaught Place. Bageecha’s idea was conceived when Gupta indicated a younger line mentioning that would be preferred by several brides. “We have retained old layouts but uncluttered them to get a modern get-up,” said Akshay Gupta.
Many of the old weaves carried labyrinthine jaals, junglas and bootis. But their designs are minimalist to get a synergistic impact. Motifs from paintings and sweet pinks, mint greens blended and blush look ebullient. The weavers were clearing up the designs but they had been motivated to innovate when brides gravitated towards the result.
“Artisans use the word “mahin” which means intricate. In our themes, we ensure that the detailing is retained because that’s exactly what heritage is all about. We’ve got a piece of peach that has cherry flowers woven into it. We ensure a look for our reds with a unique version of the aara motif. These do for bridals. This garment’s richness heightens. There’s this timeless appeal in going classic,” explains Gupta. The way she has brought fashion and heritage together is amazing and wonderful.
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