In an era of hyper globalisation and viral internet trends, it can sometimes feel like we’re all dressed the same. But a recent Friday night celebration hosted by Swadesh founder Nita Ambani at the new flagship store in Churchgate, Mumbai, was a little different. The unspoken dress code for the evening was clear—celebrate your weaves. The results were both unexpected and delightful, an array of festive looks that swung between the more traditional (cue Ambani’s own meenakari blue sari) to contemporary (Khushi Kapoor’s armour-like tailored crop top, trouser, and jacket set that was crafted by designer Manish Malhotra using Swadesh’s rich textiles).
The guest list was also slightly different from the usual fashion event. Along with the Bolly crew (Ananya Panday, Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, Kusha Kapila, Genelia Deshmukh and Aditi Rao Hydari, amongst others) and Mumbai’s biggest names in industry and politics (Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, Ajay and Swati Piramal), there mingled a few quieter, but no less notable, personalities—acclaimed award-winning artisans who were the true stars of the night. “Today we are celebrating the beginning of the festive season by honouring our artists and artisans. They are the pride of India and the stars of tonight,” announced Ambani, setting the tone for the evening. She followed it up by introducing National Award winners Shammi Bannu Sharma (miniature painter), Gunjan Jain (textile designer) and Paneer Selvam (Tanjore painter), Padma Shri Biren Basak (Tangail and Jamdani weaving), as well as textile revivalist Ghanshyam Sarode.
Through the evening, guests mingled with artisans, watched demonstrations on kal baffi carpet making and Benarasi handloom weaving or chatted with a pair of talented kalamkari painters. They also had the opportunity to learn from a few of the designers and curators whose works were on display in the Masters Pavillion, a gallery-like space in the 20,000 sq ft store dedicated to the most priceless, one-of-a-kind creations. And of course, very few left without bags filled with finds from Swadesh that were perfect for the festive season. “I loved the beautiful saris,” said Karisma Kapoor, who incidentally was also wearing a white, yellow, and gold Chanderi number from Swadesh, “I couldn’t make up my mind which one to choose!” We spotted the Bollywood wives (including Gauri Khan) shopping for jewellery, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh browsing the carpets, and chatted with Raveena Tandon before she headed home with a new sari. Ahead, more glimpses from the evening’s celebrations.
