GEARING UP GARBA GEAR...............
The Central government might be pushing and promoting austerity to its babus and neta log in these times of recession and recessed rainfall; but Surtis are in no mood for cost cutting this festive season. With Navratri just a hop, skip and jump away, fashionistas of Tapi town are getting set to wow the watchers with their custom made savoir- faire.
In case you’ve been a fuddy duddy and out of touch with what’s in vogue, read on to enhance your panache this Navratri
Bandwagon Brigade-For groups that dance in set dress codes through the nine nights of revelry, there is just one Goddess for garba gear-Ketkiben at Maniyara sheri.T.V. and Cinema inspired fashion with the experienced expertise on colour combination, intricate thread work; figure hugging, peek-a-boo, fit as glove cholis are created in her workshop. Embroidered in Katargam, styled and finished within walls of her home. Her knack of throwing together, antique Kutchi patches, mirror spangles and fabrics in a riot of colours; in the most haphazard way, results in eye-catching masterpieces. The swirl of the ghaghras she creates is unbeatable because of the way she panels them. This year, the stress is on using various ethnic laces and combining them together in contrast colours. Visit only if you are prepared for sleepless nights of patient waiting because this disorganised genius delivers goodies only at the nth hour.
Suburban Senoritas-Surat’s bold trendsetter Sangeeta Choksi, popular with ParlePoint homemakers and mentor of ‘what’s new this season Surtis’, has designed collared shirts with vegetable prints as cholis and chaniyas to match with work highlighted in sparkling sequins. Fusion wear is her forte. For halter necks, spaghetti straps and stringy cholis, she provides an in built, gravity defying, system. Frilly, overlapping skirts with matching tunics to please young tarangs and ensembles of elegant Jamewar patches for the elite elders form some of the styles that she has patterned in her signature style. Lightweight and semi transparent odhnis that add a delicate touch to heavy costumes is one of her innovative ideas.
Adajan’s Ethnics-New kid on the block, Sarla Soni near Prime Arcade, sources jewellery and ethnic embroidered patches from Kutch, Ahmedabad and Rajasthan. Bajubands, Anklets, Kandoras and maang tikkas set in coloured stones as well as modern ghaghra- cholis in net, with embroidered leggings; lehriyu skirts with stiff khadi linings and a vast variety of multicoloured chiffon and georgette odhnis are set to create the new wrinkle effect in short length. She mostly designs to rent out her creations to the student crowd who cannot afford to splurge on a new outfit every year, custom made clothing in typical Gamthi style, is also an option available here.
The readymade chaniyacholi, kediyas and kurta sets available in the market, are just not good enough for Surtis. Cloth torans and parrots, beaded strings, crochet lace, cowries and coloured stones, metal accessories etc. are used by garba revellers to spruce up their gear and stand out in the competitive crowd.
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