The charms of Chanderi

To ring in its fifth anniversary, Samasta features a special show, ‘Colours of Nature’

There’s a beautifully-rendered miniature golden cow with blue horns and hooves and a cowbell. The base fabric is Chanderi silk, gossamer and sublime. This sari, and those featuring lotus and floral motifs set the tone for what Samasta has come up with for its fifth anniversary.

Titled Colours of Nature, the line features Chanderi in its myriad hues — there’s a profusion of pinks, blues and greens — sporting intricately-woven buttas , in both saris and dupattas, and block prints. There’s also a line of Fulia cottons and saris designed by Arundhati Menon (her daughter, Mridulika Menon Madiraju, runs Samasta), besides a spring-summer line of tunics, shararas, dresses and tunics.

The fabrics for the line come from across the country — ikat from Andhra, tussar from Bhagalpur in Bihar and cotton from Bengal. There are also creations in hand-woven matka silk, linen cotton and khadi fabrics.

 

Madiraju says the colour palette for the line was Nature-inspired — think earthy tones, palm trees, flora. For this line, the Samasta team worked with a weaver from Chanderi. “We provided the colour palette and selected the handblock prints for the clothing line,” she adds.

Why the focus on Chanderi? “Because, it is a silk cotton fabric that breathes well and is cool. It is also lovely for summer weddings,” says Madiraju.

She works with her mother, and says it is a huge learning experience. “She is a perfectionist and pays great attention to detail. I continue to learn from her, regarding fabrics and weaving techniques.”

So, what’s Madiraju’s personal style file like? “I’m more into Indo-Western silhouettes. And, I love using handloom and hand block-printed fabrics to create fashion styles for busy women on the go.”

Nature-inspired

Style check: Shirt dresses and shirt tunics, crop tops and maxi dresses

Prints and patterns: Geometrical and floral motifs specially designed for the line

Accessories and more: Muslin stoles and cotton sharara pants to complete the look

@samasta

CP Ramaswsamy Road, Alwarpet

Till mid-April

Ph: 42721110