There is probably nothing that could compete with clothes when it comes to identifying separate people, movements, or even whole historical periods, especially for me a designer with 25 + years of experience in fashion. Clothes have a unique quality of representing the people who used to wear them even if we have never met those people.
When visiting the exhibition India In Fashion at The NMACC, I was inspired to see much beyond the garments represented there. The clothing and accessories are accessible for viewing and provide insight into how India’s textiles and culture affected fashions and trends across the periods. I could perceive how much our artisans & fabrics contributed to certain historical periods and their fashion houses, namely CHANEL, CHRISTIAN DIOR & YVES SAINT LAURENT. Having real-life exhibits on display, India in Fashion stired a range of sensations in me as one could see these clothes in all dimensions, not just through a digital interface.
This exhibition gave me the possibility to explore the roots of some of the world’s leading fashion houses in the world which have encouraged and moulded the modern industry of dress-making. It showcases the most exclusive pieces of clothing from its archives, which helped me gain an understanding of how profound was India’s influence in making garments for different occasions in previous decades, from using the iridescent beetles wings for embellishments to using calico fabrics and chintz prints for dresses, tent decors, carpets and wall hangings.
In my mind, the most elegant garment was that of the US’ most notable woman – “The First Lady” Michelle Obama whose dress was made by an Indian designer Naeem Khan for the state dinner with our then Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh. This woman is a legend, and the dress on display was no less awe-inspiring . Made of silk, it looks extremely light and makes an impression of elegance which is hard to compete. The dress emphasizes the grace of this wonderful lady.
To support the themes, the curators incorporate other objects in their exhibits such as shoes, jewellery, and accessories. Apart from describing the garments, close attention was being paid to reviewing the historical periods in which they were worn. Such a method allows visitors to comprehend the meaning of the items on display and percept the ambiance of those times. The curators paid great effort to create their exhibits in a way, that viewers would feel completely immersed and in-tune with the display. It is a fabulous opportunity to connect oneself with the past & present by observing the garments and getting acquainted with their history.
‘THE JOURNEY OF THE SARI” made a deep lasting impression on me. Of how this garment, with its intricate layers and draping, has captured the interest of some of the biggest international fashion houses namely SCHIAPARELLI’S, BALENCIAGA & JEAN PAUL GAULTIER who have perceived and re-invented it in the most beautiful ways. They are extravagant and bright, and their designs, embroideries and interpretations are beautiful and attractive which makes The Sari the personification of optimism and vitality.
India in Fashion leaves a profound and lasting aesthetic impression on anyone in the Fashion industry. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to enrich any one’s knowledge and sensations about some of the most exquisite garments of the past & present designs houses both international and Indian especially for all who work in the fashion industry or aspiring to work in it.
Fashion exhibitions have become an inseparable part of modern designers’ self-representation and we should encourage more of these in our country. Thank you to The NMACC for bringing these exhibits to us.