Bollywoods dance diva Madhuri Dixit, Indian textiles and Rabindranath Tagores poetry with the inimitable Big Bs rendition of Ekla Chalo Re playing in the background made it just the perfect mix at Anju Modis PCJ Delhi Couture Week show on a Friday evening.
It was a play of monochromes, layering and transparency, as Modi paid a tribute to the modern woman, by highlighting characters in Bangla literature, never losing fucous or her commitment to Indian crafts in her line, Devi.
Volume was a key element in a collection that was dominated by prints, multi-layered lehengas with Dhakai print borders were sent down the catwalk with a touch of brocade, crinkled or dull gold duppattas, gotta trimmings and flaming red or plain zari borders. Delicacy was added with intricate white flowers placed on transparent churi sleeves as Modi courted asymmetrical cuts. I start right from the weaving stage, so my fabrics are done purely by me and not sourced from the market. I believe in the power of handlooms and weaving, that for me, is true India, she said.
And with her entire family cheering for her, from sister, to son Ankur and daughter-in-law Priyanka of AM:PM, the yoga and meditation lover admits, after 20 years, it was staying close to her roots that helped her remain true to her craft. And that Indianness was well displayed as golden ambi motifs found a place of pride on white lehengas, soft tie up jackets with pleated ends and lace trimmings found favour with an impressive front row. And with an icon like Madhuri as your showstopper, complete with sindoor, a red and white lehenga, and a black velvet blouse with a plunging back, you just cant go wrong!