An ethnic fashion show with tradition and culture at its core got an interesting twist when Assam-based designers like Barsha Aditya Singh and Dhiraj Deka presented a modern take on the looks at the ongoing Rongali Festival here.
Designers like Meghna Rai Medhi aka Mehzabin Ershad, Dhiraj Deka, Arita Kashyap, Suruchi Agarwal, Barsha Aditya Singh and Kangana Konwer put together a vivid show on the second day of the three-day festival, held at the Veterinary Ground, Khanapara here on Saturday.
It was a night when Assam entertainment industry's stars like Rimpi Das, Priyanka Bharali, Asha Bordoloi and Barnali Pujari came down to walk the ramp. But singer Angaraag Mahanta, popular as Papon, stole the show when he came on the stage to walk for designer Aditya Singh.
"Hi, big congrats to all. They all are doing some great work. And thank you for giving me this beautiful dress, I will not give it back," Papon said at the runway.
With traditional attire of Assam -- mekhela chador, gamcha, sari, skirts, gowns and dresses -- the designers played with colour palette of red, off-white, orange, pink, blue and black. Golden added the shimmer as models sashayed on the ramp dressed in designers' creations.
Inspired by traditional weaves, the designers also presented new ways to drape the six-yard wonder giving it a very contemporary yet modern look, which exuded grace and elegance.
The collections were high on traditional motifs, floral print, handloom, elaborate border work and mogar motifs (paisley). A story of tribal life was also presented through ensembles.
Accessories were also an important part of the outfits with headgear and Anarkali caps making a style statement.
Rai Medhi, who gives an artistic touch to her range while staying in touch with traditional motifs, says her main aim is to present Assam's culture on a bigger platform.
"My focus is on traditional things... I stress on presenting ethnic culture of Assam with a twist of modernisation with hand-woven silk fabric. I made mekhela chador sound as half sari and easy to drape. People loved the idea," Rai Medhis told IANS.
The designer also feels that there is "lack of exposure". "These kind of events will promote and will boost fashion world," she said.
Echoing the same, Dhiraj said: "We have a lot of potential, but lack promotion. I would like to request the state and central governments to promote Assam fashion through exhibition, buyer-seller meets -- both internationally as well as nationally."
To this, Arita noted that there is a communication gap between fashion designers from the North East and the rest of India. "The North East designers are losing out on opportunities like fashion shows due to a communication gap. This gap need to be filled to let change set in," she said.
It was also a ground to bring back the lost world. Remember the art of sleight of hand and the world of 'abracadabra'? Well, it came back with magician Vikram Talukdar taking the stage to mesmerise his audience with magic.
"Magic as an art form is dying because of some false myths and superstitions. It is a very simple art form. I have been to other parts of the country and feel that the government is helping magicians survive, but there is no initiative from the state government here," Vikram, who manages Gurukul Magic Academy since 2010 to instill faith in the art form among youth, told IANS.
Other star performers of the night were Bharali, Babu and Simanta Sekhar.
(The writer's visit has been sponsored by the festival's organisers. Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in)
