The DLF Emporio played host to Vogue’s Project Renaissance on the evening of 23 January. The project involved the world’s top luxury houses and designers create exquisite fusion pieces using Indian fabrics, prints, weaves, and embroidery. What was exciting and interesting about this particular enterprise was the fact that for the first time one encountered foreign designers going beyond the usual Indian silk, brocade and ikkat, working with different weaves and embroideries. The exhibit was also extremely well curated as it pieced together an eclectic range of designs and covered a wide array of Indian textiles.
Bandana Tiwari, Fashion Features Director, Vogue India said “”This is perhaps one of the most interesting and endearing projects I have worked on in my life. It is fascinating to see how much emotion is evoked by Indian textiles. For both weavers and designers alike, this Project was about passion and patience, of respect and love of the living, breathing traditions of the loom. It is a wonderful example of creative collaboration.”
All of the creations on display were truly couture pieces, but a few stood apart from the rest. Burberry’s iconic trench coat rendered in Maheshwari silk was brilliantly executed design and took ino account the drape and texture of the silk used. The Gujarati Patola gown by Gucci was sadly disappointing and lacked any design marvel.
In all, the chow exuded class, and captured the essence of Indian textiles, while moulding them in western, chic ensembles.