At a recent public outing in Uttar Pradesh,Priyanka Gandhi was spotted wearing a traditional Goan Kunbi sari designed by Wendell Rodricks. For the Goa-based designer,who has been championing the revival of the Kunbi sari,which is traditionally worn by women of the Kunbi tribe,it was a welcome sighting. She wore a sari from the Kunbi collection made from natural dyes. The pink dye is from a plant called manjista, says Rodricks,adding that manjista is an ancient plant that secretes a red sap to protect itself from predators as its sugar content is as high as sugarcane. The dye can be seen in the clothing of the Mahabharata characters and is important for its antiseptic properties. When a warrior was wounded,a strip of the manjista-dyed cotton was wrapped around the wound to heal it, he reveals. Home View At a time when there is a plethora of retail portals offering a variety of options to customers online,jewellery websites too are keeping pace. For starters,CaratLane.com has just launched its Try At Home service. A first-of-its-kind service in the online jewellery space,customers can select the preferred jewellery item and order it home to try on at absolutely no cost. Customers can try on up to five designs in the comfort of their homes without any upfront payment,thereby finalising a purchase at home in the traditional way. This free service can be availed across six metros. Generous in Style It was to a packed house in Londons Hotel Le Meridien last month that designer Payal Jain presented her latest collection Butterflies in My Heart. The seasoned couturier showcased the collection in aid of Pratham UKs open programme,which gives dropout girl students a chance to complete their education and acquire employment skills. The event raised a staggering £42,000 for charity. Comprising delicate laces that were used to sculpt blouses,skirts and gowns the collection had a soft and sensual appeal to it. Sarongs,skirts,capes and dresses were also a part of the collection that was in a mixed colour palette. The collection started with lighter tones such as ivory and caramel and took on darker shades such as burgundy,navy,aubergine and black. The event was hosted by TV presenter Tasmin Lucia Khan,who encouraged celebrity ambassadors actors Jacqueline Fernandez and Poonam Dhillion to exchange lively banter on stage. I am really pleased to have supported Pratham for my London collection launch. The charity works tirelessly to improve learning levels among underprivileged children and as celebrities,we have the responsibility of supporting causes that truly make a difference, said Jain. French Toast It has been two years since French design school Lisaa opened in India. The second anniversary celebrations were held last week at The Crescent in New Delhi with a fashionable evening hosted by Bikram Bawa and Sarabjit Singh from the Lisaa India team. The highlight of the event was a showcase of designer Nitin Bal Chauhans label Bhootsavars latest collection Like a Rolling Stone. Inspired by travellers and different genres of music,the collection was made in collaboration with Lisaa students. Eminent faces from various fields of fashion,entertainment and design came together to show their support for the school.
