‘We want to put up a good show’

The common theme running through their collection is that of fusion of the art of storytelling with Indian weaves and music, ancient movements with modern fabrics and Indian clothing with European designs.

Archana Rao, whose earlier collection was inspired from the clothesline for drying laundry, says that her LFW collection is based on the Japanese movement of Teaism. “It’s inspired by the culture of having tea. I tried to recreate that essence and make it very wearable,” she says.

Anushree Reddy’s collection, titled Portobello: The Indian Chapter, has incorporated the essence of the vintage market at Portobello Road in West London, and has tried to merge it with the age-old Hyderabadi zardozi work. She says, “It features an entire gamut of Indian wear like lehengas, anarkalis and saris.”

Gaurang Shah’s Chitr-Sena on the other hand will be unveiled amidst live music by noted Hindustani classical singer Subha Mudgal. The collection, which took him six months to complete, revives the art of Korvai, which is the weaving style of Kanchipuram. The showstopper for his event is Taapse Pamu.

Neha Agarwal, who will be debuting at LFW this year, has put in close to four months of efforts to bring out her collection Mille Fleurs, which uniquely combines Indian fabrics with a petite point, an intricate form of French embroidery, which started in France in the 17th century.

With around six designers from the city participating, what are they all keeping in mind?

“It is not about competition. Since our styles are so distinct, we all want to put up a good show at the event and make the best out of it,” says Gaurang.