Kallol is the New Cool

Kolkata-based Kallol Datta, described by Grazia as “the Indian punk” is poised to create yet more

waves with his label Kallol Datta 1955 at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. Commenting on his debut, the designer said his clothes are evolving to cleaner and greener as unnecessary detailing is being phased out as part of the evolution of the label.

At the Wills Lifestyle India show where he is making his debut this year, Kallol is pushing the envelope on his philosophy of ethno-grunge forward, with his “Conception Camp” line. Anti-fits, widely written about as a signature silhouette, are just a part of what he does, says Datta.

Instant recognition came to the label Kallol Datta 1955, when it started out in October 2007 in Kolkata. The designer’s simple yet clever mannequin-print shirts and tunics have become the talk of the fashion set in India. He incorporates elements such as 3D folds, unconventional silhouettes and witty prints in his collections that have had eyebrow raising titles such as “Body Farm” and “Verbal Autopsy” in the past. There have been dhoti pleats on dresses and cat prints on what could be construed as a salwar and kurta set. Art movements and grunge music are definite influences on the young designer.

A NIFT graduate and a with a degree specializing in women’s wear from London’s Central Saint Martins, Kallol Datta is a rising star in the Indian fashion firmament.