Nearing extinction: The Patola of Patan

 

The ikat weave is available throughout the world in many continents but the double ikat, in which the weft and the warp both are dyed is found only in Indonesia, Japan and of course, India.

In Patan, Gujarat, you find the patola of the most intricate kind. The dyes used to color the threads never fade, not even after 300 years. The process of dyeing itself takes more than 4-5 months. It can take 7-8 months for one sari to be produced highly because of the fact that even if two weavers work together, they cannot produce anything more than 9 inches a day. A design for a patola can be repeated only after a period of 150 years, that too, if it is executed cyclically. The Salvi clan in Patan is the only competent clan left to take this skill forward. Two brothers, Rohit and Bharat Salvi, are now the only ones that still weave the sari.

The pricing starts at around 1.5 lakh INR. And by the way, you cannot place an order for this on a whim because the waiting list is 6 years long to say the least.

 The patola made its ramp debut last year in designer Deepika Govind's  collection at the Lakme Fashion Week.

For a perfect Black Tie event

So while going through Tidestore's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/tidestore), which has lately become my favourite,  I came across this beautiful A-line One-shoulder Floor-length Evening dress. Classy would be an understatement for this dress. The drapes, the details...everything about it is wonderful. Though I would not recommend it for females who are trying to divert the attention away from the upper body because as it is, the dress is about showing off your broad shoulders. This gets my vote for a black tie event.  
You can buy this dress at: http://goo.gl/QGvm2

Local talent: Mandeep Litt

His official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/MandeepSinghLitt) describes him as "the young designer from Punjab (Chandigarh) who is making waves in the Indian fashion horizon."
A student of  Fashions from INIFD, Chandigarh, Mandeep Litt launched his label by the same name and started catering to personal clients just after completing his schooling.
Two years into the business, Mandeep made his grand entry at 'Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week Summer/Shower Feb. 2012 with his first 'Typographic black and white collection which was followed by his first international gig at 'Full Figured Fashion Week June 2012, New York City.

 In this particular ensemble, what you first notice is the beautiful choice of colours (and model Kanika Thakur's to die for smile). The whole look screams elegance and is perfect for the wedding season. Also, what stands out for me are the embellishments in the anarkali, intricately designed these are a pleasant change from the usual boring designs.

Pic(k) of the week

This beautiful polka dots dress from Tidestore (http://www.tidestore.com) is my favourite this week. The light yellow and navy blue dress works perfectly for a casual day out or even work purposes. The belt is an added advantage which accentuates one's waist beautifully. This dress will work best for all figures since the small polka dots will not make heavier figures look even more heavy and the dark colour below the belt will give a slimming effect. Also, the belt will take the attention away from the problem areas.
Available in multiple sizes and priced at a decent US $9.99, this day dress is certainly an eye catcher.
The company provides shipping facility which may or may not be charged for.
To buy the dress, use this link: http://www.tidestore.com/product/beautiful-polka-dots-dress-9657150.html?rtm_source=site&rtm_medium=cmsproduct&rtm_term=4758&rtm_content=283&rtm_campaign=9657150

Fashion, in its true sense

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same. "

-Coco Chanel

Fashion has nothing to do with the clothes we wear, the people we hang out with, how we eat, talk, sit or anything else at all. Fashion is what we are, who we are and being comfortable with it. It is our own personal statement. To be able to conserve our uniqueness when we are stuck  in a world where everyone is trying to be someone else. Fashion must be comfortable otherwise it is not fashion. There'll be several wearing the same design, but there's just ONE us.

                                            "All of us are born unique but we die copies."