I like Kaveri Lalchnad’s clothes. For the simple reason that they make me feel feminine, graceful and confident. I am a big woman and rarely do I find clothes that fit. When I do, they are usually sacks in some dreadful colour with armholes and a neckline. So, when Lalchand is in town, I make it a point to buy me some ‘pretty’. They are expensive garments but they endure. You can mix and match them and, of course, they make heads turn.
Clouds of white, beige and pastels greet the eye as one enters Rendezvous at Taj where the exhibition, called Travelling Trunk, is on. “The theme is whimsy,” says Lalchand and indeed the shrugs, kurtas, dresses and shirts look whimsical in delicate linen with embroidery, screen prints and lace-like laser cut detailing. Asymmetrical hems are in, I observe, as clients float in and out of the changing room. There are layers and frills, polka dots and flowers. And you may almost miss it, but look closely and somewhere on the garment is a red heart lovingly embroidered on it. “That conveys love, joy and hope and we want it to make you smile,” says Lalchand.
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If you are not happy with the fit, she will customise and courier the garments to you. You can add or subtract a pocket, change a motif here and there, select this colour in that design and so on. Customisation is her forte. “I have introduced a new line of shirts called Biografie for men. They are priced at ₹3, 850.” A small logo in front with a little phrase tagged on the inner side of the button flap. “The saying is just for the person wearing it. It is not visible outside. For example, here is one that has an embroidered compass logo and, on the inside, it says ‘I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list’. The one with two masks has the line ‘all the world’s a stage’.” There are a whole bunch of logos for the gentlemen to choose from — from golfing, cricket and motorcycling, to cars, horses and aeroplanes. Oh yes, the men can also proudly bear Gandhi or Bob Marley on their chests.
Lalchand says working with linen excites her. “I love the buttery feel and we like to follow the fabric’s natural drape and fall. I like to layer the garments and play with the shades. I like the idea of giving my customers the option of mixing and matching and doing their own thing with my clothes.”
Lalchand explains that linen is best for our climate. “The fabric breathes and, even if you wear layers, it manages to feel cool. It is also a strong fabric that lasts long and gets stronger, softer and more comfortable with time. Besides, it is also eco-friendly.
I take another round of the room. Jumpsuits, trousers, dresses, short tops, summer jackets...there is plenty. I pick out a chic beige affair with checks and Lalchand agrees to make me an elegant shift with embroidery in a shade of linen she calls Red Hot Chilly Pepper. My wallet may be considerably lighter, but so is my step as I look forward to that stylish me. Oh yes, don’t forget to ask Lalchand about Soul Scarves.
Info you can use
The Travelling Trunk by Kaveri is on today at Rendezvous at Vivanta by Taj-Surya, Race Course from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
There is a 50% discount on select items
Call 9840530269 for details
