The curious case of Pahela Baishakh
Two weeks to go till the day-long Pahela Baishakh celebrations, and we are busy setting the menu, wishing it to be slightly different from the previous years. We are also worried about what to wear on D-day. Fashionistas will say red and white is overdone, and some variation of it is necessary to make things as remarkable and fascinating as the day demands. Kuhu Plamondon, a famous designer of our times, seems to agree with the notion. “People know me as the lady who paints flowers on saris; this time, I wanted to break free from the customary by experimenting with abstract patterns and motifs,” said the famed couturier. We loved the idea and hence, a photo-shoot commenced with the designer’s latest collection; an enigmatic ensemble breaking free from the regular and the traditional.
GEOMETRY APLOMB
While floral motifs are all the rage in summer, a cool idea would be to steer clear of the ordinary. An easy solution is to go for anything that does not have folk patterns, or florals — no matter how ubiquitous they seem for Baishakh.
Abstracts and geometric patterns are the new rage on the street. If you want to be a part of the trendy bandwagon, opt for saris in vivid geometric patterns.
Kuhu Plamondon tells us how.
"I have designed quite a few saris in hand-painted geometric outlines and the majority of shades that I have used are bright yellows, blues, greens, and reds as the base. The idea is to break free from the traditional. While red and white are mainstream, there is no limitation to experimentation, and I have tried to do just that with my canvas saris," she said.
THE WHITE SWAN
White on white is everyone's favourite!
From famous actresses to models all over the globe, everyone has donned it at least once in their lives and sizzled with pride, and we feel the same about this exclusive combination. Elizabeth Tailor or Lady Gaga, whoever your idol is; they are all fans of the all-white ensemble.
Flip the pages through yesteryear's albums, and you would definitely get one or two pictures of your favourite duo in an all-white collection.
Kuhu Plamondon agreed with the thought. "True! White on white is a classic combination and must be part of everyone's wardrobe. My personal belief as an artist is that white calms the mind and it is extremely soothing to look at, especially amidst the scorching summer heat."
It seems like she said all that we wanted to hear, and her white-on-white crochet collection is as peaceful as the beach on a breezy afternoon.
THE SOOTHING BLOCK PRINT
Even a few years ago, everyone used to wear block printed clothes. Back then, it seemed like if you did not own one, you were no longer stylish. Block printed saris and kurtis in neon colours and playful motifs made all the difference in styling. People were even wearing the highly inexpensive block printed garbs to special occasions like weddings and other big time social functions.
Today, it seems block prints have taken a back seat amidst the burst of other patterns and designs, and it is high time to revive the favourite, at least for the sake of summer and beating its heat, with the consolation of soothing colours.
Kuhu Plamondon does the same thing with her latest Pahela Baishakh collection —
"I have tried to revive the block print by creating a collection that is soothing to the eyes".
We agree with the renowned designer on this note. If you see a girl wearing a navy blue cotton sari with white block printed patterns and beli garland tucked in her bun, you would not be able to turn your eyes away from her. Yes, that's the comfort that block prints provide to sore eyes.
This year, Kuhu Plamondon's latest collection is certainly worth browsing through. An all deshi collection by a respectful deshi designer, pursuing patterns that are uncommon yet super trendy…I am all smiles at the moment!
By FASHION POLICE
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Mili
Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Make-up: Farzana Shakil's
Makeover Salon
Wardrobe: Kuhu Plamondon
Location: InterContinental Dhaka