Inspired by Indian motifs and cultures, Saundh’s autumn-winter line called Kalp Haat tells a rich story through prints that is inspired by a kaleidoscope of colours. Jewel tones and bold graphics, festive silhouettes like peplums, flowing kaftans, lehngas with cape, panelled kurta, crushed dupattas and timeless anarkalis make up the five capsule collections for Kalp Haat, which is perfect for the festive season. In a t2 chat, Sarabjeet Saluja (inset), CEO and founder, Saundh, tells us more:

What led to the conception of Kalp Haat? What kind of research went into it?

This season, our design team was drawn to the craft, the people who practised it and how the culture around it influenced it. When developing the prints for AW’21, the designers stayed true to the inspiration by developing the prints in the original artistic process. Kalp Haat explores the subtle nuances of arts like Sohrai Khovar — the ritualistic mural art practised by women folk in Jharkhand; Rogan — a 300-year-old craft tradition that once flourished in Gujarat’s Kutch region; and the favoured pastime of royals — Ganjifa, with elaborate detailing on the playing cards. The collections showcase our take on these artistic forms and bring them alive as prints for AW’21.

As we were all limited due to the pandemic, our design teams researched and read about these arts and also the anecdotes and cultural environment around them that helped these flourish. We came across trivia like Ganjifa cards were popularised by emperor Babur. It was an enriching experience to learn and then interpret these designs in our print vocabulary.

What are the design highlights of this collection? How was the collection brought to fruition?

As a design house, developing unique print designs is our strength. Our prints engagingly tell the stories of our theme, along with a strong colour palette. These tales of before our time are made relevant for now through classic and contemporary silhouettes. Like in Ganjifa, our first collection for AW’21, we have a conventional mix of salwar kameez dupatta with classic A-line suits, timeless anarkalis and straight kurtas with pockets. They have elegant smocking detailing on the neckline and the sleeves. With Sohrai, we bring in a more breezy, laid-back vibe. Jewel tones and bold graphics, and festive silhouettes like peplums, flowing kaftans, lehngas with cape, panelled kurta sets define Rogan. Each collection highlights its own inspiration in a distinct palette and design language. Thangka is all about voluminous anarkalis, jackets and saris with crushed dupattas.

Tell us about Saundh — its design vocabulary and ethos...

Saundh was founded with the aim to provide designerwear at an accessible price point, for the larger audience. Saundh, as a brand, aims to bring good design in everyday clothing accessible to modern Indian women. We aim to be your go-to destination for all wardrobe essentials. The undercurrent of all our designs since inception is a strong cultural influence rendered in an original print story on contemporary silhouettes. We aim to bridge the divide between elegant designs and affordable luxury.