Designer Pinki Sinha’s trip to Ladakh in the month of August was not only a breather for her after being stuck at home for over a year due to the pandemic but also aroused her creative sensibilities. The inspirations gathered translated into a cheerful and vivid collection called ‘Julley’ — the Ladakhi word used for a bunch of warm expressions like ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, ‘please’ and ‘thanks’. Featuring an eclectic range of silhouettes in her signature Benarasi with a variety of weaves and patterns, the colour palette and motifs are artistic expressions influenced and derived from the scenic landscapes, art, architecture and culture of the ‘Land of High Passes’. “My mind was observing a lot and registering a lot,” said the excited designer ahead of the shoot for The Telegraph. The collection will be available at 85 Lansdowne and The India Story from December 18 to 20 at Swabhumi.
Diti sports a smart, easy-breezy occasion look in this Karwa silk palazzo and short kurta in a muted tone of brocade. The styling is inspired from the natives of Ladakh. The hair is tied in double braids and the make-up is kept minimal in nude shades. “Ladakh that has an influence of Tibetan culture uses a lot of brocade pattern and weave. The colour palette is inspired from the view (inset) outside my tent camp,” added Pinki.
This regal purple Benarasi sari styled with a local draping style imitates a colour palette of the changing colours of the sky at dusk in Ladakh. The sari woven with intricate motifs give a lush texture to the ensemble. Dramatic eyes complete the look.
On Diti, an ombre blue sari inspired by the colours of the Pangong Tso lake that mesmerises with its natural gradient effect. The colourful Tanchoi woven Benarasi along with geometric patterns add a contemporary touch to this simple and elegant look.
This bright mustard yellow sari featuring intricate motifs and patterns is inspired from the wall paintings and artwork on the pillars of monasteries in Ladakh. Detailed with horizontal lines, the Karwa silk sari is designed with zari work. The drape and the hair tied up add to the charming and fuss-free look.
Diti struck a graceful pose in the vibrant pink and orange silk Benarasi lehnga detailed with zari motifs. The motifs and styles are drawn from the ceiling and wall paintings with mesmerizing coloured patterns from the architectural structures in Ladakh. “This is the first proper lehnga collection of my label and I wanted it to be very happy and bright. Who doesn’t know this scooter and Kareena Kapoor in her lehnga riding on this?! When I saw this, I instantly knew I wanted to do a lehnga for this collection,” said Pinki
The quintessential occasion and festive colour palette of red and gold is translated here on silk with Tibetan art and cultural motifs, draped in a contemporary manner. “In Tibetan culture, the colour red is very prominent along with gold. I have added a dash of blue to enhance the look. The motifs are inspired from the paintings and sculpting on the pillars and walls of the monasteries in Ladakh,” added Pinki
The classic and classy white-and-gold colour palette on tissue silk is inspired by the designer’s visit to the Shanti Stupa, standing tall in shades of pristine white and gold. Detailed with floral motifs, the pale pink narrow border accentuates the white and gold on the sari. “It looked so serene that I fell in love with the art on the architecture and knew that in my next piece, I wanted this. The fabric adds to the richness of the sari,” said Pinki.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Travel pictures: Pinki Sinha
Model:Diti Saha
Styling: Vanisha Agarwal
Jewellery:Vasundhara Creative Jewelry
Make-up: Babusona Saha
Hair: Gini Halder
Draping: Tonaya Sardar
DESIGNER SPEAK AND STYLING NOTE
“The collection draws inspiration from my trip to Ladakh and the colour palette is derived from fluttering bright prayer flags, a riot of intricate murals and red-robed people that Ladakh has along with its breathtaking scenic mountains and valleys. Waking up to bright sunny mornings with multicoloured beautiful flowers set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.... The collection has a mix of happy and sublime hues. The craftsmanship used in this is the exquisite Tanchoi and Jamawar along with motifs and patterns on lush silks with resham and zari weaving,” said designer Pinki Sinha (left). Daughter Vanisha, who takes keen interest in styling, lent her a hand in styling. “With the concept of bringing out a modern speckle in the traditional ensembles, eclectic hairstyling, dramatic drapes, and minimalistic accessories have been incorporated. Certain elements of the native dressing style have been infused in an artistic tone,” added Vanisha.