As the first collection launch since the pandemic, Deshaj’s latest line communicates its philosophy emphatically by featuring traditional crafts of India in its design and in turn helping local artisans become wage earners. The traditional design techniques and crafts feature on contemporary silhouettes that are ideal styles to flaunt as comfy resort wear, date lunch outfit, party wear or even everyday streetwear. Comfort and versatility lie at the heart of the collection, while the designs stand out as the brand’s signatures, explored in a manner that is aligned with contemporary style sensibilities.Moram in Santiniketan, where these handcrafted outfits are designed by trained tribal artisans, was our chosen venue for the shoot. The rustic aesthetic of the place complemented the indigo, black and white colour palette of the collection and allowed us to create a lookbook taking inspiration from Scottish, English and European classic countryside fashion. The looks were accessorised with contemporary Indian jewellery to enhance the local touch. Snapshots:
Sleeveless with straight fits, these dresses are the ideal comfort wear, be it for a day out or a relaxed vacation. The V-neck and round-neck outfits made of silk muslin are casual styles designed with shibori and batik patterns. Statement jewellery pieces like metal spiral armlets, bangles, earrings and neckpieces glam up the look. The strategically tucked and tied bunch of white flowers add a touch of freshness to the plaited and tied-up.
This frame, displaying the pottery craft practised and taught at Moram, showcases the classic flared dress donned by Subhamita and the long-line jacket and kurta worn by Sana. What adds drama to this frame of earthy tones is the classic monochromes standing out through the hand tie-and-dye pattern and the traditional resist-hand dyeing technique of shibori on the fabric. Metal jewellery from Anki Bunki by Aditi in traditional and contemporary designs and hair tied into clean buns with flowers make their look classier and the frame more appealing.
Casual and boho-style short dresses in shades of indigo are all about keeping comfort styles flirty and playful, be it for brunch, party night or lunch date. A versatile addition to a woman’s wardrobe, it blends in the effortlessly cool vibe with uncompromising comfort. Wood and metal jewellery, knee-high boots and strappy flats, gelled-back buns and nude make-up smarten up the look further in a frame shot at Moram’s spinning wheel set-up, used for training purposes.
This asymmetric-hem shift dress made of luxurious silk muslin has a casual, boho style. The V-shaped dress hand-dyed and printed with natural indigo, using the age-old resist-hand dyeing technique, brings together a vibe of effortless style and comfort. The tie-and-dye dress features an abstract print and tiered pattern. The metal jewellery from Anki Bunki, plaited bun and nude make-up with blush and highlighted lip enhance the simplicity of the look with a subtle glam touch.
DESIGNER SPEAK:
“We felt the post-Covid time is more difficult and the fast fashion pendulum was swinging too far and made us yearn for products that are designed to last rather than being trend-driven and are inspired by natural materials for designing. Our aim has always been to create fashion that portrays easy, effortless and casual styles; ones that reflect our traditional art yet are global in their appeal. The USP of the collection is simplicity, versatility and the ability to layer. All are hand dyed with natural indigo and black. We love to add some simple details, a little embroidery and thread-in buttons. It is the little things that make the ordinary extraordinary. We continue our march towards fulfilling our vision of being a brand that symbolises the empowerment of more than 300 tribal women artisans working at Moram in Santiniketan, while recognising and promoting traditional handicraft techniques that are in danger of dying out with increased industrial growth and rapid urbanisation,” said Sonali Chakraborty, owner and designer, Deshaj.