Sridevi shines at Saby’s show

The grand finale at the Delhi Cotoure Week saw ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee transforming the stage into an old ancestral bungalow complete with wall papers, family portraits, candle holders, blue pottery etc. And as the spotlights dimmed, the designer walked in with his showstopper Bollyowood actress Sridevi in a stunning white net sari with tulle work coordinated with a blackless black blouse.

Mukherjee defined his collection as “retro glam, inspired by the 20s and 40s, and the cities I have loved travelling to.” In apt justification of the theme, models sashayed down the ramp in oiled hair tied in a tight knot, sporting reading glasses, a small bindi and a hair band matching their shoes and purse for accessories.

His inspiration from the cities like NY, Kolkata, Berlin, Paris and Barcelona was expressed through his mastery over art and crafts belonging to these places. To create this appealingly global yet Indian line, the designer used Russian needlepoint, boutis from Provence, zardozi from Agra, kantha from Bangladesh, block printing from Bengal and Rajasthan, intricately embroidered Pashmina from Kashmir, Chintz from the UK, and Toile de joy from France, together with rhinestone, baubles, bows and needle craft. The fabrics were mostly silk, Dhakai Muslin, brocades, net, velvet, and tulle.

White and black stood out in the collection, immortalised by the black and white saree partly in velvet and partly in tulle with fine zardosi detailing. A whole range of colour combinations were used such as red and white, green and red, beige and green, and red and black, with flair. Sequinned bodice, Anarkali drapes, flared godet beaded skirts that are a staple of Flamenco dancers, colourful semi-precious stones on lehengas, and zardosi bodice were dexterously constructed.

Also present to watch the show was veteran actress Shabana Azmi and designers Ritu Kumar, Anju Modi and Poonam Bhagat and director Gauri Shinde.