Abhay Sahu and Neelam Prajapath R
MSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
Bastar Essence Revived – JD Design Awards 2024
Thus, ‘Bastar Essence Revived’, created and presented by Abhay Sahu and Neelam Prajapath R, two students of MSC in Fashion Design at the JD Institute of Fashion Technology Bangalore, is a truly intriguing collection that won the “Best Pret Wear Award (Women’s Category)” at the JD Design Awards 2024. Thus, this collection is an attempt to combine the aesthetics of Bastar art and culture with contemporary fashion. The best thing is that it tries to blend the more general tribal ornaments and bright colors with more modern looks.
ILLUSTRATIONS
The cuts and designs of garments in this collection are derived from Bastar wall paintings and the intricate work of Bastar ornaments. I want to paint beautiful bright colors, such as in the rainbow, and add wonderful native ornaments. The designs are somewhat of a modern taste, but the touch of the traditional art of Bastar is still felt. For instance, the clothes used are fabrics that are handwoven; we can see the efforts of the craftsmen behind the clothing. Every object in the showcased collection is a narrative about the folklore and tradition of Bastar and their artistry.
The main concept of “Bastar Essence Revived” is to not only pay tribute to but also draw attention to the extremely talented artists of Bastar. The materials of the Bastar designers employed in the creation of the products evoke the traditional weaving technique, and the new designs themselves reflect the desire of the young designers to retain the essence of Bastar in today’s world. The purpose of such a collection is to harbor and publicize a live cultural legacy for all people.
JDDA 2024
It successfully maintains the overall theme because embroidery is applied to the clothes in an effective manner. The designers tried using Kosa silk fabric, which aids in concocting the dresses to be posh with a touch of royal quality. In designing this sari, they researched the colors and motifs of the conventional paintings of Bastar to ensure that the actual embroidery reflected the spirit of the art. This aspect of treatment makes it possible to bring out the crest of Bastar art in the true sense of the term.
Speaking of fabric and color conception, the designers used fabrics and colors that depict traditional Chhattisgarh jewelry, like Phulli, Bichiya, and Payal. They painted it in Bastar art natural colors, including maroon, green, and blue, to give the designs a realistic feel. These colors do not only make the clothes look bright but also try to portray the beauty of Bastar through its essence of the revival of the old with the new and traditionalism with the modern world.
Abhay Sahu and Neelam Prajapath R
MSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
www.jddesignawards.com