For the collection, Sharbari Datta had put together Gond art with Mongolian motifs on Benaras silk, tussar and garad fabrics.

Shunyaa, Sharbari Datta’s label, has launched its new collection titled ‘Black Thunder’. Datta, who passed away recently, had visualised the collection as a response to the artisan communities as they go through severe hardships during the pandemic.

For the collection, Datta had put together Gond art with Mongolian motifs on Benaras silk, tussar and garad fabrics. Many Gond artists – the Gond community is one of the largest tribal groups in India – have lost their livelihoods due to Covid.

While the punjabi, achkan, bandhgala and angrakha represent the elegant colour scheme and embroidery motifs from Mongolian culture, the dhoti is hand-painted in Gond art.

Models: Nayanika Sarkar, Nick Rampal

Photographs: Saswata

Hair & make-up: Sajal