Not everyone can boast that their designs have been worn by the likes of Kalki Koechlin and Sonam Kapoor. But for the enterprising, Anavila Misra who is credited with revolutionising the concept of the linen sari, it’s all in a day’s work. “I’ve always been fascinated by saris. There’s something about them that’s so graceful and elegant,” begins the designer, who is in Bengaluru today to showcase her latest line. “Back when I was in college, every time I’d want to wear a sari, it was either too heavily embellished or too traditional. I wanted something that was contemporary and light. But there was no such thing in the market,” adds Mumbai-based Misra.
The preferred choice for celebs such as Vidya Balan, Kajol, Kiran Rao, Konkana Sen, Aruna Kumar (of Ganjam Jewellers) and a long list of others, Misra tells us that it’s a nice feeling to be worn by such a league of admirable women. “Whether we like it or not, Bollywood drives style in our country. So to be validated by these stars is a sure shot way to popularity and success. Sonali Bendre wore my sari to our Spring Summer 15 show, and I still remember her saying she always borrows saris from her mother and mother in law for various occasions, but her Anavila saris are owned by her,” says the proud mother of a nine-year old boy. Having grown up in a little town in Haryana amidst orchards, gardens and wild greenery, it’s no wonder that she likes to keep things as natural as possible. “Much like my garments, my outlook is also simple and nature-oriented. I grew up surrounded by peach, pear and mango orchards. My siblings and I would gorge on the fruits, climb trees and run around amidst the plants and shrubbery. I had a happy and beautiful childhood,” reminisces Misra. And while she is a genius creating the most exquisitely simple drapes, her hidden talent is identifying trees just by looking at leaves. “I used to collect twigs, leaves and flowers and scrapbook them. So I know a thing or two about plants. I can easily name the tree just by looking at a leaf,” she reveals.
Talking about her connection with Bengaluru, Misra says she started her career in the city and cherishes its green cover and friendly locals. “I used to work at Madura garments and that’s when I fell in love with the city. I always felt that South Indians are so rooted to their traditions despite being so modern and I saw that before my very eyes on a daily basis, from ladies wearing flowers in their hair to decorating their porch with rangoli,” she says.
