The second day of India?s biggest fashion extravaganza, Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 saw celebrated designer Anita Dongre give a tribute to the glorious craftsmanship of Indian handlooms with the launch of her new line ?Grassroots?.

 

The collection was as pleasing to the eye as was the stage decor, which was marked by a decorated tree that stood on the stage. It reflected Dongre?s dream to revive the precious crafts of the country like Ahir embroidery from Gujarat, Ikat from Karnataka and Hyderabad, Gotta Patti from Rajasthan, weaves of Banaras, intricate Warli and hand block prints turned into a reality with ?Grassroot.?

Featuring the beautiful weaves of Banaras, ikat, khadi and hand spun silk, Dongre added the beauty of block printing, Warli and embroidery to highlight the apparel. The opening of the show was a dramatic entry of five white cropped tops with varying sleeves, teamed with black Samurai pants.

The final mirror work line moved from smocks and jackets to gowns, floor length front open maxi, printed peplum blouses and sparkling kurtas matched with orange cropped jackets on indigo, orange and black long lean dresses.  Anita?s premiere collection of eco-conscious bags were functional and displayed the craft of miniature paintings of The Flora Fauna, The Mughal Garden and the Desert Craft Series, which are part of the ancient tradition of Jaipur. The Kashmir Motif series had Persian, Mughal and Indian influences with Aari work; while the Canvas of Thread Line paid homage to the craft. The natural line of jewellery included the Rabari Collection of semi-precious stones on silver. The Copper Craft Collection in wood, jute and copper and the Bargello Line, was a mix of jute and silver hues.

 

When it came to the finale, Dongre invited 26 master craftswomen from Gujarat to walk the ramp, making them the stars of Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015.

When fashion meets craft revival, then the result is the fabulous ?Grassroot? brand by Dongre, who has worked for decades to bring traditional heritage fashion to centre stage.