A 'habba' of traditional wear

The festival started last week with a Yakshaghana performance which depicted Karnataka’s culture. The highlight was the beautifully decorated oxen. The artistes playing their instruments set the mood for the festival.

The collection includes Lucknow Chikankari saris and dress materials in whites with minimal embellishments. There are also Kalamkari saris with patchwork that have come all the way from Kalahasthi. Beautiful Kalamkari motifs are worked on the saris.

They are also hand-embroidered. This gives a good finish and does not make the saris stiff. Handwoven saris from Kollegal with interesting patterns and colour schemes are also showcased. Bhagalpur tussar saris with wide borders in subtle colours are available here.

Calantha has come up with its own range of exclusive printed saris like tussars, chiffons, georgettes etc which have tone-on- tone, geometric and floral prints, tie-and-die patterns and much more. Accessories, which are made by an NGO called Sanchali using recycled materials and are handcrafted, are also on sale. There are accessories from Jaipur as well. Diyas and candle stands, inspired by Kundan decorations, which are reusable are some of the other interesting items.

Almost all the saris are handwoven from silk threads and some are mixed with cotton. People can go in for custom-made designs. There are three designers behind these collections and they are Roopa Pemmaraju, Sudhir and Rashmi Sridhara.

Roopa Pemmaraju is a designer who reinvents traditional styles and adapts them to modern sensibilities. Merging her two distinctive cultures — of her homeland India and her adopted land, Australia – Roopa has successfully built up a label that celebrates the contemporary woman.

Rashmi signs off by saying, “There are a variety of designs and clothes, including salwars, kurtas, stoles and even blouses, available here. I invite all the women to come and gain a different insight and a different wardrobe!”

Calantha Wardrobe is located at 535, 5th Main, 7th Cross, HIG Dollars Colony, RMV Second Stage.