Let me tell you a short story. The story of a girl named Meira and her friend Aarohi. Meira and Aarohi were best friends and both wanted to become a pilot. They did not play with dolls like other girls did. Their toys were aeroplanes and kites. Both of them wanted to scale the skies and wanted to fly high. Their parents supported their dreams and ambition.
Both Meira and Aarohi loved to fly kites - kites made them soar high - feel free, independent and alive. Kites were like their indomitable spirit that refused to follow the norms set by society. Since both of them came from a small town, their neighbors were irked by their behavior and often complained to their parents. But their parents usually shrugged off the criticism and always motivated the girls to follow their dreams.
This is the concept/theme behind designing this saree. The collection is named "Khwabon ke Parinde". The idea behind this collection is to give wings to dreams. Every woman or girl needs to set aside the norms of the society and follow her dreams. Whether she comes from a small town or a big city, she has the power to shape her destiny. She has the power to realise her dreams and be as ambitious as Meira and Aarohi.
The colour of the saree is a muted beige which depicts the societal norms and the society at large. The girls and the kites have been hand embroidered with bright colours. Bright colors represent the hope, desire and ambition of the girls.
Color Palette used:
Maroon symbolizes passion, drive and energy
Purple symbolizes creativity, calmness and resolve
Red symbolizes courage and joy
Yellow symbolizes optimism, friendship and energy
Black symbolizes strong will and determination
The embroidery is minimalistic. We have used back stitch, satin stitch, stem and button hole stitch here. The kites are made from felt fabric and have been appliqued on the saree. "Kite" is the main element other than the girls and symbolizes ambition, drive and determination.
The saree has been designed from a hand block printed yardage keeping in mind the fluidity of the saree and the fabric. I strongly believe that the saree is not just confined to its traditional boundaries but any piece of fabric can be designed into a saree. After all the saree too is a fabric length - the core is the same, the emotion and construct is the same.
Designing this collection has brought me much joy and happiness. So much can be conveyed through simple concepts/ideas. Putting the concept or the idea in a creative way is a challenge, however. So many elements need to be brought together as one to convey the meaning.
Who is it for?
This saree is an ode to all the women out there who dare to dream and make the impossible - possible. They are not afraid to assert themselves and have the power to face any challenge that comes in their way. They respect the society they live in but do not adhere to its conservative views. Women and girls who are full of life, courage and determination.
This collection is work in progress and is currently being designed. I will share updates when I have finished the entire collection. Any view or opinion about this is most welcome - infact I will be grateful if you all share your opinion.
In the meantime, if you find any little girl who dreams of reaching the sky - give her a kite to fly and tell her why.
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