Shopping for the Pujas was both fun and responsible with Pili Taxi’s The Devi Edit in association with The Telegraph, held on September 9 and 10 at Sudha Hall, Ballygunge. Focused on sustainable fashion, the exhibition brought together naturally made, handwoven, handcrafted wearables and accessories made by artisans and craftspersons from all over the country. The exhibition space was abuzz with excited shoppers exploring stalls that displayed an eclectic range of handloom saris, blouses, dresses, shirts, tops and more. Costume and fashion jewellery made from brass, silver and textiles, made up the accessories collection. Also on sale were ‘cruelty-free’ skincare and make-up items and upcycled artworks including bookmarks, coasters, paintings, diaries and greeting cards. There was also a tempting array of snacks and beverages to indulge in, between rounds of shopping.
“Two days were filled with laughter, excitement, adda and shopping! All our Devis received so much love for their thoughtfully handcrafted designs, arts and crafts. We are very happy to bring all women entrepreneurs from all walks of life under one roof. It literally felt like a pre-Pujo celebration,” said Pili Taxi founder, Bijaya Dutta.
The Telegraph dropped in and discovered a host of interesting, sustainable fashion options for the upcoming festive season. Snapshots.
Bhomra
The jamdani designs on these Indo-Western dresses in fine handloom cotton are inspired by tile art. While the green-and-pink dress (Rs 5,800) is influenced by Majolica tiles, the purple dress (Rs 7,700) bears resemblance to zellige tiles of Marrakech. Perfect for stay-at-home Puja mornings or a casual visit to your community pandal.
Sayanti Ghosh
This raw silk magenta blouse with 3D Durga and lotus hand-embroidery is statement. Team it up with a monochrome sari in contrast colours for best effect. Price: Rs 32,990
Stand out in a crowd by draping yourself in these kantha saris with matching kantha blouses at parties or cultural programmes on festive nights. Royal blue gachi-by-gachi tussore sari and wine-coloured organza sari are priced at Rs 26,990 each and blouses are for Rs 7,590 each.
Self Story
Turn out at your traditional, sophisticated best while helping with preparations at the mandap on Puja days, in this kantha-on-kalamkari tussore sari. Price: Rs 15,500
This heritage-weave tussore sari with Gujarati embroidery on hand-painted kalamkari artwork is also sure to draw envious glances at any Puja gathering. Price: Rs 17,000
Kharikajai
Go for a retro look with these traditional Assamese-style ranihaar (queen’s necklace) from the Kharikajai’s Biya (wedding) collection. The gorgeous set (left) with matching earrings is for Rs 10,000 and the heavy necklace with earrings set (right) is for Rs 14,000.
Karma Ashrama
Look stylish and chic in this handwoven khadi dress with jamdani and tangaliya weave. Price: Rs 5,200
This soft, off-white handloom sari is hand-painted with many kinds of hornbill motifs on its pallu, using natural dyes like haritaki (myrobalan), khoyer (catechu) and indigo. Look your pure and pristine best draped in this sari as you offer prayers to the Goddess. Price: Rs 8,500
Paulami
These colourful, cute and trendy cloth earrings in ethnic designs will surely make you exude the right Puja vibes. Price: Rs 750 each
Accessorise any simple outfit with this unique handcrafted statement neckpiece. Made from textiles, the movable floral designs on the necklace allow versatile styles. Price: Rs 2,650
Anki Buki
Inspired by motifs found in folk and Indian traditional art, this brass necklace(Left) has etching work inspired by Mandana drawings of Rajasthan. Price: Rs 5,800
Wear this coin-and-shell inspired brass necklace and earrings set (right) from the brand’s festive collection with any outfit of your choice and become the showstopper wherever you go. Price: Rs 15,000
Pictures: Koushik Saha