Travel in a Cruise Draped in Saris with Pockets!

CHENNAI: Designer duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja are almost always known for the various types of swimsuits and quirky silhouettes they come up with. So, when we heard about their latest collection titled ‘Cruise Resort ’15’, we expected swimsuits to form a major part of the collection. And the collection did meet our expectation, with not just peculiar swimsuits attracting our attention but brightly coloured kaftans, tunics, gowns, tops and saris as well.

Talking about the collection, which is being showcased at Collage, Greams Road, Narresh said, “It’s part of the holiday wardrobe. This is that time of the year when the climate is just perfect. This is the time when one would prefer going on a holiday in a cruise. It’s not too hot and not too cold. It allows you to wear glamorous clothes… It allows you to wear silk…” He added, “And that’s what this collection caters to. This collection includes clothes that cover you but allow air to peep in as well. That’s why it is titled Cruise Resort.”

Shivan and Narresh told us that their idea was to do a wardrobe that focuses on a cruise or in a holiday resort. “Holiday goers and honeymooners are our target — people who are looking at resort options,” they said.

Shivan shared that it took about half a year for them to come up with the collection, which was showcased in Delhi in January.

“Starting from the research work, which took around two months, to placing orders for the fabric from Italy and deciding on the colours, it took six months,” said Shivan.

And looking at the collection, we could make out the effort involved, especially in the saris that have been specially designed for women travelling in a cruise. “Indian women are always forced to wear western clothes when they are on a cruise holiday or in a spa. Why should it be that way?” asked Narresh.

“Also, we realised that Indian women found it cumbersome to carry silk and cotton saris around while holidaying. So we wanted to make them the intelligent way. The saris we have designed can be thrown into the travel bag. They have pockets in which women can keep their sunscreen lotions or mobile phones. They are easy to wear.”

When asked if it was challenging to design a sari of this sort, Narresh responded, “As far as the technicalities are concerned, it was indeed challenging. The idea was to fuse all three elements of a sari – the petticoat, blouse and sari itself into one garment. And soon, it was a matter of evolution and it has been a great hit.”

So, is the collection perceived differently in the North and South? “Chennai loves black. People here instantly react to something that’s black while Delhi, let’s say is fond of vibrant colours. It’s probably because of the cultural setting. Even when we talk about cuts, it changes. Customers in Mumbai like plunging necklines, but with Delhi customers, that’s not the case. And in Chennai, as far as you cover your arms and sides, it is fine,” said Narresh with a smile.

The collection is on display at Collage till February 24, after which it will travel to Bengaluru.