Awadh is a region close to Muzaffar Ali’s heart. And now he has recreated the magic of the much talked about Ganga-Jamuni culture on hand woven fabrics in which the Ganga is represented in gold and Yamuna in silver.
Speaking before the launch of his summer collection Kotwara Whites at his home adjoining Delhi, the ace couturier says, “The imprint of Awadh is evident in all the garments. But to make the collection look contemporary we introduced new way of embroidery, silhouette and old prints have been put together in a fascinating way. Overall, the collection is simple, elegant and is an amalgamation of the new and the old.”
While he has experimented with silhouettes, he has retained the Awadhi technique.
The collection, which he has designed with his wife Meera, according to him is not meant to be worn around in a bazaar. “Though it has universal, modern appeal, it is an occasional wear. We have 1,000 karigars working for us and there are young generation of artisans. I would like to mention here that the young generation takes to craft like a fish takes to water. My daughter Sama is involved in supervising the work.”
“ I would like to mention here that the young generation takes tocraft like a fish takes to water. ”
His signature white is the centrepiece of the entire collection. “Yes, white is there considering this is the advent of summer. White symbolises purity. Chikankari has to be in white but we also do in other colours. But the collection is not in black and white. It is in gold and silver.”
Explaining the reason behind launching his collection at his residence, he says he wanted to give a personal touch and would not have been able to present his meticulously crafted outfits in a private place. “At home there is better ambience. In a hotel it is difficult to present this kind of feeling. First time I am presenting the collection at home.” Throughout his career, Ali has often been asked by his friends and admirers whether he would reintroduce some elements from his film Umrao Jaan . In this nouvelle collection, he says, “Not the entire outfits which Rekha wore but some features like dupatta have been recaptured this time round.”
