Known to design eclectic collections for the modern woman who wants to infuse clothes she wears with her own personality, “Monapali”, the first designer label to emerge from the ‘City of Palaces’-Kolkata over two decades ago, today skillfully combines rich heritage influences with cutting edge modern silhouettes and styles. Mona and Pali, the arduous sister twain from Bengal, who have placed Kolkata on the Indian Fashion map share a home and a cause for designing. These designers gave in to an inner duress, a natural aesthetic urge and opted out of their respective professions to pursue a dream in design with total dedication and determination. They were amongst the first few designers to hit the catwalk more than a decade ago.
- Started from home in 1985 at the behest of their friends who asked them to design clothes for them
- In 1987, they flagged off their gracious boutique ‘Monapali’ in Kolkata making their dream a reality.
- Their shows are a yearly event at Ffolio (Bangalore) and Gliterratti (Mumbai).
- Represented India in China in the ‘Festival of India in China’ in 1994
- Represented India in “Bridals Summit- Asia Pacific” in 1999 in New Delhi.
- Lakme India has launched a lipstick named after the designer duo called ‘Monapali’.
- Inducted in the Kingfisher hall of fame in the year 2000.
- In October 2002 they were the first designers from the sub continent to participate in the Toronto fashion week.
- Launched a series of sarees inspired by political party symbols in 2009 garnering huge success.
Monapali has always maintained its originality with constant experimentation, combining contemporary silhouettes, styles and textures with diverse influences based on Indian art and craft traditions. Their forte is developing forms, styles, silhouettes and surfaces (print and textures) of different kinds. They are considered by the fashion pundits as ‘Silent Contributors’ of the fashion world. Their collections are a mix of design elements generally inspired from the ethnic cultural roots of India. What make the designs distinctly Monapali is the unconventional mix of mediums: be it in textures, prints or embroidery. The designer duo were the ones who revived kantha, folk (Madhubani, Worli, Patta chitra) tribal motifs and the alpana from the realms of oblivion and elevated it to the status of Haute Couture culture.
They have their outlets in New Delhi (Hauz Khas Village), Ahmedabad and other prestigious showrooms all over India.
You can get MonaPali at:
Flora Commerce Pvt. Ltd
15 Louden Street, Kolkata
Website:www.monapali.com
