“Take a size smaller,” says Vinita Passary. Now that is a comment I hear very often and I check if she is talking to someone else. But no! She is addressing me and I am inclined to follow her to the ends of the earth for just that one statement. Vinita has brought her line of garments called Translate to Coimbatore at the invitation of Shrivyshnavi Annush who curates an online fashion portal called Pookaari.
Summer is definitely in the air and Vinita has brought clothes in hand woven and light Ikat fabrics that look perfectly cool. She has brought them all the way from Hyderabad. “I call it Translate because my clothes do just that – translate age old techniques to urban aesthetics.”
The collection is modern. It is the familiar Ikats in unfamiliar silhouettes. “You can dress them down or up,” says Vinita. Vinita and her team work directly with artisans from Pochampally. “We use a special count and dyes that are skin friendly,” she says. The collection includes pert kimono jackets, elegant trench coat cuts, dresses, kaftans, palazzos, wrap tops and some gorgeous saris. “The smart casual look is for the woman on the move. Most of the garments have pockets for them to put in their keys and mobiles. They can be worn as dresses by themselves, or teamed with palazzos, chudidhaars or pants.” The rolled up sleeves, flowing cuts and the soft fabrics come together beautifully. Mention must be made of the little kimono jacket that adds oodles of style to even the plainest of outfits. It is one of those must haves that can completely transform an outfit, says Vinita. If you don’t find the right size in the exhibition, Vinita is happy to take orders.
The saris are vibrant, earthy and come with nubby stripes and a splash of the unmistakable Ikat weave. “The idea is to make them contemporary enough to younger people,” says Vinita. Besides garments Translate also offers linen and some smart bags besides stoles and dupattas.
The Translate exhibition is on today at 15 G.D. Street, near Race Course from 10 a.m. onwards. For details call 84897-69723. Cards accepted.
