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Deepika's dark muse

Deepika Govind's new collection, launched at Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi, reflects a sombre mood

NATURAL BLEND Deepika Govind's new collection, Tears of Muses, uses bamboo lycra

Well-known Bangalore designer Deepika Govind has put 60 of her new designs on display at the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi. What makes the collection very special is the unusual fabric she uses — bamboo lycra. "It's a fabric made from bamboo cellulose and blended with lycra," explains Deepika.

In keeping with her preoccupation with the dark, sober and minimal, the title of the latest collection is called Tears of the Muses. "It is a sad collection, yes. That's because I was very sad when I created it. I'm sad about so many things — the state of the world, the ideals that no longer exist and so on," says Deepika.

For an offbeat launch at Fashion Week show, Deepika collaborated with the city-based dancer Madhu Natraj Heri to choreograph a dance that will be performed while models walk the ramp. The band Unknowns created the music for the show. "The collection talks about conflict between the two kinds of muses: true muses, those who hold on to their ideals and reach heroic heights by their determinations, and complex muses, those who are torn between what they ought to be and who they really are."

Tears of Muses also blends ikat prints in graphic designs on the fabric. "I'm passionate about ikat as everything about it is handmade. It carries a lot of value. The art is very complete. Though there is ikat in Andhra, Patola and Orissa, the art from Orissa is where you get the sharpness. And the designs are simply mind-blowing".

Doesn't she ever tire of the monotony of fashion shows and the glitzy launch of new collections? "There is no chance of monotony!" exclaims Deepika. "These shows provide you with the perfect platform, the venues, the press and the buyers. It gives us a chance to interact with the rest of the fashion industry. Since there is a healthy competition it even brings out the best in the designers. Even these shows have grown phenomenally. With these shows you get to know the pulse of the market and it also creates awareness."

In her shop, which is laid out based on the minimalist Zen philosophy, you also notice designs that reflect opulence. They are loaded with intricate embroidery bordering on the kitschy. "That's because I also cater to some foreign clients whose association with India are these handcrafted designs. My designs require a bold person to wear them. I have used a lot of moya silk (a kind of silk unique to India). There is a lot of conviction and strength in my designs yet they are subtle and I always try and balance the garment. Whatever little things are used to make the dress pretty is a part of the whole story."

After this show, she plans to work on a fabric that will be created with a blend of soya bean fibre and lycra. And Deepika has a rather philosophical take on her creations. "I'm a very emotional person and all my thoughts suddenly seem to burst out into my creations. These are the designs that come from me, truly from my heart."

After the show, Deepika's collection will be available at her boutique at 21/11, Graig Park Layout, Behind Nalli Silks, M.G. Road, can be contacted on 41123130.

SHILPA SEBASTIAN R.

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