‘A connection between two souls, a thread that unites them together.’
The new bridal collection by Vaishali S. for 2021 embodies an artistic interpretation of handloom fabrics as a unique statement, with a desire to wear ensembles that define the bride and as an expression of her love and identity.
Vaishali’s collection, timeworn in its quality, combines textures from nature and its beauty. Corded ensembles seamlessly handcrafted with Bengal silks and brocades of Benaras, each craft stands out as a minimal expression of traditional textiles.
Blends of pure merino wool with silks, handwoven chanderis, in a myriad of colours establish unique trends to celebrate important events of one’s life. With an ageless paradigm of Indian textile vocabulary, every thread and fibre sings of lost tales and timeless love.
For designer Vaishali S., one representation of ‘love’ is the interplay of threads unravelling from a spool to form a bond as strong as a fabric. This is much like the love of Shakuntala for King Dushyanta, as depicted in the Mahabharata, which time and time again proved itself. The couple’s love overcomes an untold number of difficulties and is eventually rewarded when the pair are united in the holy and spiritual act of marriage.
We live in times where getting married is an expression of our unique sensibilities, standing for what we truly believe in and appreciate. This holiest of acts helps us pause, reflect and express our purpose and desire as we identify ourselves with that one person who becomes a reflection of all those hopes and dreams in our hearts. Vaishali S. believes in that eagerness to be unconventional and to express one’s uniqueness with something timeless.
In India, while traditions and beliefs may have changed with time, one thing that has remained constant is the love for handcrafted textiles and the ability of a pair of hands to create a timeless expression of our emotions and passed-down memories, which will always remain unchanged. In this collection, the traditional weaves of India, with Vaishali S’. signature handcrafted techniques, form a confluence of two worlds – traditional and modern on a platform of art and expression.
As she had with her Paris Haute Couture Week show in July 2021, the designer partnered with De Beers Forevermark. Their stunning jewellery is crafted with responsibly sourced, rare and natural De Beers Forevermark diamonds. These hand-selected and uniquely inscribed diamonds beautifully complemented the looks that made up the designer’s couture collection.
Speaking about the new bridal collection, designer, Vaishali S., says, “I really wanted to celebrate the success and the outpouring of love I received for my show at Paris Haut Couture Week. My bridal collection for 2021 is a mix of those uniquely articulated couture pieces, seamlessly blended to help express oneself with a distinctly modern trousseau. The collection is a statement and celebration of love in the 21st Century, defined by the unique amalgamation of traditional beliefs and new age lifestyles.”
The Vaishali S. Shakuntala collection is available at the designer’s flagship store in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai.
