Couture Connection

Mawi and Gaurav Gupta are set to collaborate on a standout show at the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2014.

A piece from Mawi’s signature accessories line.

Kimi Dangor

Internationally acclaimed accessory label Mawi’s debut at Lakme Fashion Week’s (LFW) Summer/Resort 2014 edition is being touted as the UK-based brand’s grand ‘homecoming’. Mawi Keivom, the eponymous brand’s founder and creative director, was not only born in Manipur, but has attested to drawing inspiration from her Northeastern roots as well as other jewellery traditions of India. What with past collections named Punk Rajah, Gypsy Rani and Indian Rose, it’s clear that Keivom has paid more than a passing tribute to the land of her birth in the 12 years of her label’s existence. So, it’s only fitting that her LFW showcase, a retrospective of Keivom’s works, should also include pieces from her latest collection titled ‘Indian Odyssey’. Set to hit the ramp on March 13, the show will see Mawi’s avant garde accessories displayed by models clothed by designer Gaurav Gupta — a creative collaboration that also marks the Delhi-based couturier’s LFW debut.

Gupta, who has known Keivom for many years, says he welcomed the chance to collaborate with Mawi as he was tired of regular show formats. “This has been an exciting experience and the project came together very naturally. Mawi’s future-primitive style resonates with my sensibility,” says Gupta. While Keivom is known for her statement pieces, with distinct punk, industrialism and art deco influences, with generous doses of spikes, skulls and tribal details thrown in, Gupta is credited with lending Indian couture a futuristic edge, giving the sari a modern spin and teasing the lehenga out of its traditional mould. Though he insists on keeping details of his apparel line under wraps, Gupta says fashion watchers can expect a conceptually interesting show. “I’m in the mood for extravagance, but I want to have fun with the extravagance,” he says.

Even as Keivom’s East London headquartered label has captured the imagination of fashion editors the world over and has been sported by young fashionistas such as Rihanna, Emma Watson, Cheryl Cole, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller, Gupta’s signature label has become a favourite with Bollywood’s stars and has been creating a buzz internationally, having recently been sported by Lady Victoria Hervey at a Golden Globes after-party and Skylar Grey at the Grammy Foundation Legacy Concert. With both labels presenting a unique worldview furthering contemporary Indian design, this style swap promises to be one of the key highlights of this LFW edition.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram