For the 35th anniversary of the multidesigner luxury fashion store Ensemble, Anjul Bhandari launched Gulha-e-Rang, her SS ’22 collection featuring her one-of-a-kind jama-inspired anarkalis, saris, ghararas and lehengas. They came in icy confectionery hues, and were inundated with chikankari, and embellished with Swarovski crystals and kaamdani work. Some of the most influential names in Indian fashion dotted the ground floor of the three-storey vintage building, and, yet, the focus was on a group of artisans who were showcasing traditional kaamdani embroidery live. As their nimble fingers worked the metallic wires into delicate floral motifs, they drew our attention towards the vanishing art form that few remaining craftspeople have the necessary skills to create.
Still, while Anjul says Gulha-e-Rang is an ode to the karigars who helped create the collection, it’s important to note that her other collections are too. She had been working with artisans for over a decade before starting her eponymous couture house in 2010. “My mother-in-law was a social worker who strived to uplift the women in the rural parts of Lucknow,” says Anjul. “Long before the pandemic arm-twisted everyone to work from home, we had people creating embroideries for us from their homes so they could make ends meet. My label is an endeavour to continue her legacy and celebrate my love for fashion and art.”
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Femina.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Productivity Tips To Stay Focused
Make the most of your time with productivity tips for a focused workday in a hectic schedule.
Check The Health Of Your Wealth
Kalwyna Rathod shares tips for women to build financial wellness
How's Your Aura Doing Today?
Do you have a positively-charged aura? Prachi Rijhwani helps you find out
AGAINST ALL ODDS
SAIKA ISHAQUE's cricketing journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph against adversity, writes Kayal Arivalan
MASTERING THE ART OF TEACHING
DR SANGHAMITRA BUDDHAPRIYA talks to Ravina M Sachdev about her many accomplishments and her inspiration to become a professor
ART ATTACK
KANIKA RANKA ADANI, founder of The Studio Project, talks to Ravina M Sachdev about turning her passion into her profession
GLOBAL CRAVINGS
PLAKA in Bengaluru promises an exceptional dining experience for casual dining enthusiasts eager to explore international cuisines
TAKE A BREAK IN GANGTOK
Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is a serene choice for your summer vacation
NOURISHING THE NEW MOTHER
The right nutrition can help new mothers recover and feel stronger.
QUIT RIGHT
Pratyasha Sarkar shares ways to quit your job without burning your bridges