Mumbai-based designer Vaishali Shadangule, well known for using hand woven textiles to sculpt her silhouettes, looks eastwards this season. She brings the essence of Assam to her new Autumn/Winter collection, which is inspired by the traditional attire of the Assamese women – the mekhla chadar. The Mekhla is a concert of three pieces of cloth– a sarong, a blouse and an additional piece of cloth draped over the shoulder – all made of Muga silk.
Vaishali has worked with over four hundred Assamese women to put this collection together.
Says the designer, “I was introduced to the magic of Muga Silk and its design during my visit to Assam last year. In my collection, I have tried to incorporate elements of Mekhla that symbolizes the complex lanes and architectural design of the villages of the state. With the beautiful drapes and mix of fine constructions I hope to bring out the beauty of the Mekhla by retaining its original elements. I have also modernised it with fine cut work and surface texturing of wool and metallic thread,” she adds.