Her creations are raw, traditional and luxurious. And her minimalistic yet gorgeous drapes are the toast of the fashion marquee. Instagram is going wild over her simple, muted red sari that Sonam K Ahuja draped ever-so elegantly for ‘The Zoya Factor’ promotions.
Indeed, Mumbai-based designer, Anavila, has become the go-to person for one-of-a-kind hand-spun saris that are not just perfect for the modern Indian woman of today, but also pieces that can be handed down to generations of tomorrow due to their timeless vocabulary.
“For me, fashion is a medium of self-expression. There are two parts to fashion. First, the influence exercised on us by our socio-economic and cultural environment. Second, how we relate and react to this environment,” says Anavila, as we settle down to chat in her studio in suburban Mumbai.
For Anavila, loom is the way to go, and sustainability forms the core of her brand ethos with natural dyes drawn in from turmeric, indigo and pomegranate. “As I work with natural textiles, there is a touch of rawness in my work,” she confesses. “I do believe that complete perfection is very plastic. The little imperfections make each garment more beautiful, lending a soul to the creation,” she explains, talking about the mechanics of collaborating with her treasured cluster of weavers in West Bengal to spin these classics.
Shilpi Madan for New Indian Express
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