When one is raised in an environment that celebrates traditional, colourful, and diverse clothing, one can’t help but be inspired by it. For sisters Aisha Ashraf and Ursala Jung, their inspiration stems from having grown-up in a region that boasts of Afridi Pathan and Rajput traditions.
Two years ago, the Jung sisters, with their childhood friend, Renu Rana, began a label called Sihali Jageer, mostly inspired by the 400-year-old area with the same name. In what is known today as the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh, was earlier a land where Afridi Pathans, Rajputs, Yusufzai, and Lodi Pathans lived together in 12 villages named Barah Basti.
The label merges the trio’s ideas of traditional fashion albeit in a more contemporary setting.
Timeless design
For two days, Sihali Jageer will be part of a festive pop-up in the city. The pop-up at lifestyle store, Details will host Persian rugs, and dhurries by Mehra Carpets, silver and fashion jewellery from 963 Degrees, and organic and recycled cotton stationary by Bombay Paperie. Sihali Jageer will also launch their festive collection – Shab Dulhan. “We have styled handwoven work, kaamdani, zardosi, and Maheshwari, with modern cuts for both Indian and Western wear,” elaborates lead-designer Ashraf, who is based in Singapore. Having lived in Tokyo for a few years, the simplicity and flowy elements of Japanese clothing has also played a role in her design aesthetic. “It’s all about elegance and femininity,” adds Ashraf.
The line includes dresses from Maheshwari cotton, matched with Coimbatore cotton silks, and Chinese collars; Tangail fabrics from Bengal used in cape tops and paired with ikat pants; and dhoti poshaks in handloom voile with panchrangi mushru jackets. “We’re trying to design clothes that are timeless,” says Ashraf. For their bespoke wedding-wear, Urooj, Sihali Jageer has designed brocade ghararas with soft tissues, and double-layered kurtas. The line includes kota and silk dupattas detailed with gold lachka and gotas, for a heavier look. “For the bridal collection, our prices range from ₹20,000-40,000 but we also have kurtas and everyday wear for ₹ 5,000-6,000 thousand,” states Ashraf, who says at the end of the day, their line is all about affordable fashion.
The Shab Dulhan pop-up is on today and on September 21 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Details – The Great Indoors, 12 Homi Modi Street, Fort; 9820625477
