When tradition meets finesse

Something for all

Susan and Anu have known each other for as long as they can remember. They grew up with similar interests and found that they made the perfect pair to open a design label; which they eventually did, under the banner of ‘Anu&Susan’.

They largely work with Indian handlooms and eco-friendly fabrics that not only give their collections a very distinct feel and appearance but also indirectly help weavers make a livelihood. They don’t really promote too much of the mill-made fabrics. “We are increasingly using eco-friendly fabrics, which look great and benefit the weavers too,” says Anu. They reason that handloom fabrics have an earthy feel and a sense of purity.

The designers also do their own block printing and embroidery on the garments. Most of their garments are also hand-crafted.

Their latest line has many interesting features and one of them is the use of a cowl neck instead of a collar. “We were the first designers to use a cowl neck instead of a collar. We did it to give the outfit a romantic retro touch. We like designing low and wide collars — making the wearer feel very feminine and cool,” explains Susan.

The designers not only make garments that suit young women who are on the slimmer side but also for those who are older and not so slender. They believe is creating clothes that suit all body types.

Susan and Anu point out that the young women of today are very conscious about what they wear.

“The street fashion today has changed a lot from what it used to be when we were young. We were bought clothes twice or maybe thrice a year. The quality was good,” says Susan.

She adds, “Now, with the advent of cheap polyester and mass produced fashion, the clothes that are being churned out in the sweatshops are flimsy, poorly finished and literally being bought for that one season. Our clothes are classy and we work on designs that will never go out of style.”

Shreya,
a student of Army Institute of Fashion and Design, picked up a python-print dress. 
Punchline: “Digitally printed dresses and tops are in vogue. It can be worn to a informal event and if you ever want to leave behind an impression then this is the right pick.” 
Price: Dress (Rs 6,500)

Himanshi M,
a student of Army Institute of Fashion and Design, wore a blue silk block-print dress with a cowl neck.
Punchline: “The dress is pretty because of the work on it.  It’s comfortable and fits very well. The outfit is perfect for a formal event. It is cut at the right places.”
Price: Dress (6,500)

Megha C,
a student of Army Institute of Fashion and Design, picked up an orange colour batik-print dress.
Punchline: “The bold print on the dress and the pockets are what I like the most. The way the sleeves are cut and the neck is designed gives the garment a neat look.” 
Price: Dress (Rs 3,900)

Neha Umesh,
a student of Mount Carmel College, wore a batik-printed dress.
Punchline: “I really like the way the dress is cut and the cowl neck adds to the charm. There’s really no need to accessorise much because the dress is colourful by itself. The layering on the garment makes it truly different.” 
Price: Dress (Rs 3,900).

Annela Norbu,
a student of Mount Carmel College, chose to wear a aquamarine cowl neck long dress.
Punchline: “The first thing that struck me about the dress is the colour. I really like the cowl neck concept and I feel it enhances the look of the garment. It’s perfect for an evening wear.”
Price: Dress (Rs 4,500). 

Vindya,
a student of Mount Carmel College, slipped into a black ikat cotton handloom dress.
Punchline: “The dress is classy and sophisticated. It’s very different and the design on the garment makes it look quite attractive. It’s a traditional dress with a modern touch.”  
Price: Dress (3,900) 


Are you a college student and want to model for Metrolife’s ‘Haute Style’?  Do you have any fashion tips for the season? Or you simply want to say something about our feature ‘Haute Style’? Send your emails with contact number to: metrolife@­deccanherald.co.in or [e-mail]