As the Navratri fever is about to set in, albeit with restrictions, true blue festival lovers have already started scouting and prepping for their Navratri looks. Gujarat celebrates the nine nights with such gusto and revelry that most dance festivals seem pale in comparison. Fashionistas would adorn colourful chaniya choli and stack it with fashion jewellery. The festive styles vary at every 100 km in Gujarat, just like how dialects and food vary too. For example, Vadodara has a very boho modern idea of Navratri chaniya choli where halters from bandhani and leheriya will be mixed with 9 metre ghaghra in handlooms but if you move slightly north towards Anand, women will be wearing heavy festive lehenga choli richly embroidered, fit for weddings. Saurashtra will witness traditional style of kutchi chaniya choli whereas Ahmedabadi women would opt for traditional costume-ish look.
Over the years, the styles have definitely gone through transition with better exposure, just like how fashion transitions too. People have started incorporating various trends in chaniya choli, especially weaving handlooms and textiles of India to create understated but elegant ensembles. From wearing the silks for the first day and twirling your way up to the last in the divine Jamdanis and Patolas, this editorial is about embracing our country’s rich textiles while supporting the artisans and homegrown labels.
Keeping this in mind, Ciceroni highlights “5 under-the-radar labels for Navratri”—each of their unique aesthetics promise to add flair to your repertoire.
- For the one in love with crafts – Atrangi by Ayushi
Atrangi by Ayushi’s latest Navratri collection encapsulates ensembles that are a melange of handwoven and artisanal fabrics from all over India. From cholis that are handmade with Maharashtra’s Paithanis and Gujarat’s Patola to chaniyas that are handwoven in the most comfortable textiles, her collection is for those who love the idea of owning a versatile staple that spells the verse of Indian crafts.
- For the one who treasured traditions – Skin Sootra
Skinsootra is a conscious clothing label spinning minimal, contemporary and versatile designs, organically made Kutch crafts and textiles. Whether you are dressing up for Navratri in your all-traditional avatar or just dressing up to play in your front yard, you must peak into Skin Sootra’s latest designs that include antique Kutchi embroidery chaniya, kapda(blouse) and Dhabari (traditional rabari Dupatta) – all lauding the rich cultural heritage of Kutch.
- For the experimental one – Udd Studio
Udd, a Mumbai based label, will update your festive closet with lehenga cholis in radiant combination of regal colours and floral borders. You will also find silk patchwork lehenga cholis, handloom cotton chaniya cholis in the combination of bright festive hues and millennial prints that are perfect for the ones with an experimental soul.
- For the one who admires all things subtle and sustainable – Msafiri
With a collection spanning across Chanderi, Ikat, Organic Cotton, Linen, Hand Block prints, Tussar Silk, Khadi Silk and Chikankari textiles, Msafiri’s latest festive range is all things subtle silks. You will be delighted to see an exquisite range of beautiful silk skirts with all over delicate floral embroidery. The zari and sequins add a touch of elegance and make it ideal for a light festive occasion.
- For the one who admires impeccable craftsmanship – Noya
With a motive to support the artisans and craftsmen, Noya’s festive collection consists of a variety of versatile blouses and cholis in handloom cotton along with a handwoven range of lehengas. The details entail Bandhej, the ancient art of Rogan Printing and intricately done sequins work. With all of it sold separately you can choose to mix and match to pull off your desired look.
With Navratri just days away, be sure to shop the ones that strike a chord with your fashion aesthetics! Keep this curated list handy to know what to pick this festive season!
