Sunday, 05 May 2024
Sunday, 05 May 2024
A Chanderi jacquard kurta shirt with tape detailing is paired with a linen Shibori dress with a ruffled neckline for a day-to-evening look. The pastel shades are perfect for a day look. Take off the shirt, add some accessories, like this choker from CIMA’s costume jewellery section, and you are set for an evening do. (Dress: Rs 7,000, Kurta shirt: Rs 7,500, Choker: Rs 725)
Pictures by: Debarshi Sarkar; Hair and make-up: Aniruddha Chakladar‘Sustainable fashion’ is the embodiment of the latest edition of Art in Life, CIMA’s annual lifestyle exhibition, which is on until October 22.
From exquisite traditional weaves to edgy designer wear, this year it is all about sustainability.
One of the five designers displaying their work at Art in Life this year is Abhishek Dutta.
“Parole, the label that I am showcasing here, is a sustainable clothing brand produced by the inmates of correctional homes. It is not just sustainable in terms of fabric but also in providing sustainable livelihoods to the inmates,” said Dutta, who is displaying his collection at Art in Life for the first time.
Cool, edgy and comfortable, Parole is aimed at the young fashion-forward crowd.
“Young people are not as aware of what is empathetic or sustainable clothing. They want something that is popular and trendy. They also have this concept that if it is a sustainable brand it will be boring, which is a notion I wanted to break,” said Dutta.
Arpita teamed a linen anti-fit enzyme-washed denim shift dress from Abhishek Dutta’s Parole label with a patchwork, embroidered leather sling bag from CIMA. Silver earrings from the jewellery collection at Art in Life give it a festive touch. (Dress: Rs 4,000, Bag: Rs 1,375, Earrings: Rs 1,275). “This Puja is going to be different with a lot of people choosing to stay in or hang out with their friends. This dress is all about comfort and is perfect for a chilled-out day. If you are going out, you can team it with some nice shoes or statement earrings, or just a sling bag to add a pop of colour,” said Dutta.
Pictures by: Debarshi Sarkar; Hair and make-up: Aniruddha ChakladarParole has four segments — denim or the Denimatic collection; Print Raazi, which is all about prints; the Shibori collection, a line of handwoven linen Shibori; and a Chanderi collection, with handwoven Chanderi in pastel colours, launched especially for the festive season.
On display are dresses, T-shirts, jackets, skirts, shrugs and saris. The saris are from the Abhishek Dutta label with his signature digital prints.
Actor Arpita Chatterjee, (whose birthday happens to be today!) tried out four looks from Dutta’s collection at Art in Life that are perfect for those who want to chill at home with friends and or jazz it up during a party this festive season.
Dutta’s collection at Art in Life is not just sustainable fashion but affordable too, with everything priced between Rs 1,000 (for a set of three masks) and Rs 12,000 (for saris).
“We have kept the price points affordable keeping these difficult times in mind,” said Dutta, who has been looking forward to an opportunity to showcase at CIMA.
Arpita cuts a picture of cool comfort in this Abhishek Dutta handwoven linen sari with digital floral and geometric print. The pallu, with hand-embroidered bold flower motifs, lends a touch of contrast to the busy print on the body. Traditional Rajasthani earrings complete the look. (Sari: Rs 11,500, Earrings: Rs 4,950) “This sari is easy to drape and very comfortable too. It is ideal for the season since Pujas in Calcutta can be really hot and humid. You can wear it for anjali or as an evening outdoor do. Instead of a blouse, you can wear it with a shrug or jacket,” said Dutta.
Pictures by: Debarshi Sarkar; Hair and make-up: Aniruddha Chakladar“CIMA is a place that celebrates art, and fashion, in my opinion, is also a part of art. Also, we have been talking about sustainability from the beginning, so what better than to be a part of an exhibition that celebrates sustainability!” said Dutta.
“My association with CIMA goes back a long way and I look forward to this yearly exhibition,” said Arpita.
“I think they are pioneers as far as this sort of an exhibition is concerned. The clothes that are displayed here are very classy and match my taste. The range is varied and affordable too. The atmosphere is very comfortable. It's spacious, so maintaining social distancing is easier,” she said.
Festive also means fun, and this geometric-print draped dress worn with a signature rooster-print lapel jacket from the men’s section of Parole spells fun. (Dress: Rs 3,900, Jacket: Rs 9,000). “Boyfriend jackets are in, so you can make a statement with the rooster-print jacket. The dress is casual. It is stretchy and comfortable. This outfit is great for a terrace party or even a staycation at a resort,” said Dutta.
Pictures by: Debarshi Sarkar; Hair and make-up: Aniruddha Chakladar
