Transforming heirlooms into modern couture
Paying homage to these incredible matriarchs is no mean feat. Which is why Tenzing Chakma, renowned designer hailing from Rangamati, designed a unique collection like none other. Reusing one’s grandmother’s handloom saris, he has fashioned them into elegant jackets, dresses, duster coats and other exquisite ensembles
Can you think of any person more special, more loving than your grandmother? Chances are— no! A relationship so incredibly special and replete with unconditional, boundless love and affection, grandmothers make our lives so very rich and sweet with their blessed presence. They put up with your tantrums and let you have your way when your parents did not, saved you from countless scolding you were bound to be subjected to had your mischiefs been revealed to your parents! Remember that time when you accidentally broke your mother's beloved Belgian cookie jar and your Nani took the blame just to save you from your mother's wrath? Or that day you were at a wedding where your Dadi, ever the elegant Grande dame, was resplendent in her chiffon sari and strands of precious South Sea pearl strands that gleamed like white gold that enamored you so much that she immediately announced you were to have them upon growing up?
Grandmothers cook our most favorite dishes; when those wrinkled hands stir ordinary ingredients in a pot they infuse the food with so much of love that it attains an ambrosial quality. When she told you stories of supernatural beings, they came alive with their ferocious claws to grab you. The moon and the stars shimmered and softly kissed your forehead as with her lyrical voice she sang you lullabies. Lulled in peaceful slumber, your dreams were sweet as honey as she cradled you in her arms.
They cared for your parents who now suspect that their love for the grandchildren surpasses the affection they have for their own child! It is a bond like no other.
An ode to grandma's style
"My intent was to introduce teenagers to heritage weaves our traditional artisans create through their grandmother's wardrobe. Usually teenagers nowadays gravitate towards fast fashion, but with this collection, they can be introduced to unique pieces that are timeless and elegant. It's the perfect way to blend nostalgic hand-me-down pieces into modern, chic wearable outfits that will become a mainstay in a young girl's wardrobe that she will forever cherish and wear with élan," says Tenzing Chakma.
A collection par excellence, it has chic dresses in a muted, elegant palette of grey, cream, charcoal and black.
Jackets have been fashioned out of taant and Jamdani weaves have been crafted into a flared dress that is equal parts fun and fancy! Duster coats in charcoal and black taant will look fabulous when paired with plain black pants and is perfect for day to night wear.
Dresses with puff sleeves have been made out of tontuj weave that is perfect for coffee with friends.
All these outfits and more are available at the designer's Rangamati atelier. One can also take a leaf out of the designer's book, borrow saris from one's granny's wardrobe and turn them into stylish outfits that will not only be fabulous, but is a great way to hold granny's memory close to one's heart!
Photo: Salek Bin Taher
Model: Samudra Chakma and Sumedha Chakma
Wardrobe: Sozpodor by Tenzing