This season Abraham & Thakore explores warm weather dressing by specially weaving soft, singles count hand loomed fabrics. The elegance of washed cotton in white with a narrow black border is modern and contemporary, yet refers to an Indian tradition that also celebrates minimalism, simplicity and refinement.

Images from a South Indian summer. The elegant soft white of the dhoti; a glimpse of ivory amidst the green foliage; the luxuriant growth along the backwaters in the Kerala landscape. The leaves tipped with sunlight are turned into a luminous shade of chartreuse, and the dusty reds and browns of the fertile soil add warmth and depth to the colour palette.

Airy elongated shapes- the new “long”, and the new “square”- are interpreted in fine washed natural fabrics that drape sensually, and move. The new easy kurta; the new wide-legged pyjama; the new shift; the new long skirt- spare shapes for the season that’s moving fashion in a new direction. Cotton sarees with tank tops explore alternative directions for an unstitched garment. Accessorised with tan leather courier bags, a new Kohlapuri-inspired platform and a slender belt cinched, to create a fresh young silhouette.

Ela has been introduced by the Creative Group and is the brainchild of NIFT graduate Joyjit. This Delhi based designer introduces his eco-chic label Ela with an exclusive capsule collection showcased at Bombay Electric, along with interesting installations created by artist Nandita Kumar.

With the aim of highlighting the concept of ‘sustainable fashion’, the designer has put forward his vision as “SUPERnatural”. Elucidating on his concept, Joyjit shares, “I have tried to emphasise on the naturalness of the fabrics that I have incorporated in this collection like unblended organic cotton, bamboo jersey and the likes. They are not only breathable but the drapes too have a natural, free fall without the use of zips for example. Also the collection is in white without the use of any chemical dye.”

The styles and cuts of the silhouettes are mostly westernised with subtle texturing details to add elegance. The use of hand woven embroidery enhances the appeal of this women’s wear line from simple daywear to eveningwear as well. Since the theme is to celebrate Mother Earth and her ethereal beauty, the structuring details are minimalistic with clean cuts and asymmetrical hemlines and flowing necklines. There are short dresses, jumpers, long asymmetrical shrugs, shift dresses and more to choose from.

The artistic creativity is projected through the installations that enhance the close to nature appeal. What makes Ela unique is the blend of ecological and ethical philosophy with contemporary fashion element.