"This season, I am pushing the gara craft into a bold new direction… I draw inspiration from the work of Dutch artist (sculptor and ceramicist) Patrick Bergsma… known for his lush depictions of green life emerging from antique pottery,” couturier and gara revivalist Ashdeen Lilaowala told Parsiana, about his collection titled "Fragments of Time.” The clothes were exhibited at his Delhi showroom on November 11 and 12, 2024. "All hand embroidered and embellished in the Parsi gara tradition, of course,” he stated.
Known largely for giving a contemporary twist to the gara sari, fabrics for his dresses, evening gowns and mini dresses, lungis for men, slip dresses, capes, trousers, shackets (a combination of a shirt and a jacket) are crafted from "an artful mash of our favorite fabrics including tanchoi, crepe jacquard, raw silk, organza and hammered satin,” stated one post on the designer’s Instagram. Some creations were embellished with beads, sequins and tone-on-tone embroidery, he told us.
Lilaowala offered a peek into the collection at the Lakme Fashion Week in Delhi from October 9 to 13 at The Grand Hotel and other locations. "This spirit comes alive in the form of abundant florals, ceramic inspired motifs and memories that tumble down onto the runway,” stated a press note. The show stopper at the Lakme Fashion Week was actress Aalia Furniturewala, in a black high-slit gown embellished with pink floral embroidery.
Couturier Ashdeen Lilaowala (above, center) with models (top and above) donning his designs