Chitrangada Singh and Sonal Chauhan dazzled Lakme Fashion Week on Thursday as the celebrity models for Harshita Chatterjee Deshpande and Purvi Doshi.
Singh showcased traditional attire for her designer.
“I was told that this collection is inspired by temples and it is very different. I love the vintage and traditional collection and I am a huge fan of Indian style. Even the small detailing that she has done for this outfit has been encrafted from south,” the actress told reporters.
Donning a blood red lehenga and golden blouse with long sleeves, Singh’s look was finished with a heavy golden neckpiece, nose ring, and bangles.
The collections were inspired by the temples of south India and the rule of the Chola dynasty and Peshwas over the city of Tanjore. Designer Deshpande says the collection is about “devdasis” or female temple servitors.
“It’s about her freedom, and journey within. The carvings of the temples I have used as a motif. I have used Kanjivarams, tussars and creations by hand.”
The core fabric is the hand-woven kanjeevaram pure silk from the looms of Kancheepuram, while chanderi silk and soy net has also been used as fabric.
The collection also had ancient Indian zardozi in antique gold and dark metal tones, inspired by gold temple jewellery and design of ornaments of the gods and temples. The colours used were bold — blood red, burnt orange, deep purple, and a palette of blacks, white and greys.
Chauhan said she felt like “a Rajput princess” in her sleeveless, off-white long skirt and top with mirror work.
“I am a Rajput and I am feeling like a Rajput princess wearing this. I don’t understand the technicality but I know this looks nice on me and I look beautiful in this attire,” she said.
Doshi’s collection was elegantly moulded in Indo-western silhouettes exclusively made in khadi.
“I always wanted to promote the natural fabrics we have in our country. It is a beautiful way to progress. The collection is very close to my heart.
“My collection is of khadi and the embroideries are done from the villages in Kutch and other parts of Gujarat. I love tribes, mirrors and my collection is called Chavi as it’s the reflection of our culture,” said Doshi.
Lakme Fashion Week ends on Sunday.
