Do you have Rs 6 lakh to spare? Then check out the gorgeous red, hand-woven ensembles by designer Gaurang Shah that will be showcased in the upcoming fashion week collection titled Samyuktha. If Rs 6 lakh seems too steep, there are cheaper options too, though not by much. The most “reasonable” outfit in the collection is priced at Rs 1.5 lakh!
While the showstopper can’t be revealed yet, Gaurang says the price tag for the Kancheevaram outfit worn by dancer Sandhya Raju at the curtain-raiser to his upcoming show is priced at Rs 1,89,500.
Why so expensive? “The fabric is woven in organza yarn. Normally Kancheevaram is woven in silk. By using organza, it becomes tougher for weavers to weave the fabric, so we need to pay them extra.” Gaurang adds that the ensemble’s 18-inch zari border is pure gold.
The rest of the 44 ensemble collection which will include anarkalis, lehengas, kurtas, ghararas, etc. all in red inspired by the 12th century romance of Prithviraj Chauhan and his queen Samyuktha will also be expensive. This is because “I will be working with Uppada, Kota, Paithani, Venkatagiri, Khadi and Benarasi fabrics,” reveals the designer. He is also using hand-woven embroidery like zardozi and chikankari to embellish his outfits.
But textile lovers don’t find the prices unreasonable because the saris become heirlooms. Don’t feel guilty about splurging on Benarasi weaves because Gaurang reveals, “Modi ji has requested designers to work with weavers from Benaras.”
Cost break-up: The fabric is woven in organza yarn. Normally, Kancheevaram is woven in silk. By using organza, it becomes tougher for weavers to weave the fabric, so we need to pay them extra. The ensemble’s 18-inch zari border is pure gold
Gaurang Shah, Designer
