pics by – Utkarsh Malviya
Reviews by – Vanshika Garg
The show started with the slideshow of Sona Mohapatra giving her take on our Indian tradition and how they have incarnated themselves in the form of fabrics and the prints which we wear. She described her inspiration and journey to materialise the Indian craft of Kotpad weaving. This has been an essential part of Odisha heritage which was well reflected in the collection that Virtues presented.
“Organic and eco-friendly” which was an essential element came forward from the ideologies of the designers to the collection that they presented. The runway was filled with rich terracotta reds, maroons, deep browns and blacks. One can’t not notice how off –whites and beige were used to create the contrast. The combinations were made in the most interesting fashion as layered dresses were paired with capes, front open jackets with ankle length trouser, saree draped with layered dresses and pleated panelled dress with pleated cape. The colour combinations helped balancing out the layering in the garments which also highlighted the intricate detailing like pleating, quilting, chord work, mirror work, applique and hand embroidery. The dominant fabric was kotpad and to embrace this heritage, Sona Mohapatra ended the show with the duo of husband and wife who have carried their ancestral legacy of Kotpad weaving. All the credit goes to them for taking this art beyond the borders of Odisha.
The show ended on the most positive note as it felt like everyone came together for a celebration of this art. The star of the show Sona Mohapatra came forth singing a high tempo folk song which made the perfect closure.
