It was a night after a good meal that Alpana and Neeraj Chauhan were watching a documentary on the Arctic on TV. The colours of the melting icebergs, the sun setting as it turns crimson, the beautiful blue landscape, pointed icicles and pure white snow flakes falling left a lasting impression on the duo, who decided to translate the beauty of the cold dark place onto their SS 13 line showcased on the third day of the WIFW.
Back after a hiatus of a year, Alpana and Neeraj Gujral digitally printed the garments in keeping with the theme and for the first time dabbled in embroidery. The idea was to add a three-dimensional look so embroidery was used making patterns that resembled the essence of the Arctic. If you look at a snow flake under a microscope it has the most amazing proportions with a balance on all its rounded sides that only nature can provide, says Alpana.
Avoiding plastics, the duo used silk organza and black to portray the six months of darkness the region plunges into every year. Though the capsule collection within the line was interesting as it focused on wearability with easy dresses with small details on shoulders or the waist.
The biggest challenge remained not making the line too literal, rather playing with the natural beauty by using portions of the picturesque landscape. Digital printing gives you the freedom to replicate a million colours easily unlike screen printing where different hues need separate screens to be made and it increases your cost, which is not feasible in a prêt line, she confesses.
Alpana believes that there is a gradual move away from feminine, pretty things as a structured look is making a global statement. Each piece must have a story to tell or it will get lost in the sea of ensembles, she concludes.