Taking inspiration from crafts of Indian and African indigenous communities, Nupur Kanoi’s exquisite festive collection, Sheesha, is all about the play of mirror work and bead work on a variety of silhouettes. An amalgamation of folk art, graphic design detailing, embroidery work and edgy hues, the collection reflects the deftness of Indian craftsmanship on contemporarily-styled silhouettes. From the on-trend easy-breezy kaftans and kaftan jackets to the more structured blazers and waistcoat, The Telegraph decodes the look book:
A super glam frame, Meghna sports a draped emerald outfit in satin with a mirror-embroidered neckline, complemented with an embroidered georgette tailcoat.
Ankita sports a black satin strappy jumpsuit designed with a mirror-embroidered neckline, paired with a dusty rose embroidered crepe tailcoat.
Ankita channels an easy-breezy festive look in bright shades of navy and red. Made of satin, the kaftan kurta is detailed with mirror-embroidered sleeves and paired with a satin lungi.
Meghna and Ankita take the style quotient a notch higher by donning smart Indo-western and western styles, perfect for the Diwali night card party. Meghna in an embroidered blazer, paired with mirror-studded bralette and satin A-line pants. Ankita in a heavily embroidered waistcoat designed with large mirror work on the side, paired with a black satin draped skirt.
Made in the classic black-and-white colour palette, this artistic peacock-embroidered georgette kaftan jacket with floral patterns and fringe detailing, on Meghna, is paired with mirror-embroidered blouse and a pair of circular palazzo pants designed with embroidery work. Perfect for a contemporised Indian ethnic look.
A statement look for a head-turning appearance, Ankita sports the floral-pattern embroidered kaftan jumpsuit designed with mirror work on the neckline and fringe detailing along the sides in a soothing green shade.
DESIGNER SPEAK
“Mirrors are fascinating, reflecting the depth in things just as they are. We have deliberately used big reflective mirrors that refrain from objectifying the wearer in a self-obsessed world. The mirror never lies, they say. This collection subtly reflects our relentless love for African and Indian tribal crafts infused with a penchant for folk art reimagined. It is a story we started telling back in 2015 and yet its roots stay strong in our design ideology. This collection is a festive take on bead work and mirror work, with a graphic undertone. The peacock print is a reengineered traditional kalamkari design treated geometrically with reflective sequins and shine. The silhouettes are India modern, playful, detailed and effortless at the same time. The colour tones in the collection are inspired from tea-soaked overtones. Coconut, jade and dusty rose all amalgamate almost awkwardly with colours straight from the desert in this 1920s-meets-neo-nomad narrative,” said Nupur Kanoi.
Pictures courtesy: Nupur Kanoi
Models: Meghna Bose and Ankita Singh