In full bloom

Hyderabad’s fashion designer, Ganesh Nallari, graced the runway at Bangalore Fashion Week on August 25th, showcasing his winter festive collection, “Priya Udya¯na.” Translating to ‘my dear garden,’ the collection is a reflection of Nallari’s inventive reason — a garden of thoughts, emotions, and memories that flourish despite the challenges of modern life. Inspired by the juxtaposition of urban living and the resilient humdinger of nature, Nallari draws attention to the small patches of green we cultivate in our lives — be it a single blooming flower on a balcony or the wildflowers that thrive against the odds. “These wildflowers, fragile yet resilient, inspire us to fight, exist, survive, and thrive,” he explains.

“Priya Udya¯na” is a sensory experience. The pieces from the ensemble feature traditional weaves like Chanderi and Banaras, infused with modern, airy fabrics that add a fresh perspective without compromising the essence of the originals.

“For me, the beginning of any collection starts from the root — traditional textiles,” says Nallari. “Adding a fresh perspective, we not only preserve their essence but also avoid monotony. What we create today becomes tomorrow’s tradition.”

As motifs and styles from different regions are increasingly mixed, the distinctiveness of each is at risk. “Banaras, Kanjivaram, or Patan, are now being mixed across different styles. While innovation is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of tampering with the original style.”