CHENNAI: We’ve never seen a fashion show quite like the launch of Pahar. Dance sequences merged seamlessly into models working their strut. Jumps, lifts, handstands. A whole gamut of movement from traditional Indian to contemporary Western steps seemed to flow through Rukmini Vijayakumar and her able team of dancers. And the clothes, much like the moves, were as Indo-Western as they come. Corset tops that flow into harem pants. Hot pants paired with a heavily embroidered desi-style blouse. And all of this in classic black and gold.
“We wanted to make a statement with something bold and dramatic,” designer Parkavi Ramasamy tells us after the show at The Leela Palace Chennai recently. “And you can’t go wrong with black and gold,” says the other design half of Pahar, Harsha Vardhini. Turns out the two cousins reconnected at a family gathering over couture interests. And that lit the candle for what would go on to be their debutant designer line, that launched through their already existing co-owned lifestyle company, Ewa Lifestyle.
From the intricate embroidery and sleek cuts, its evident these ladies (Harsha only 24) have quite a bit of experience under their belts. “We both did our fashion management courses abroad, I’ve worked in handloom for a few companies, Parkavi’s done more informal coffee morning showcases with friends and family...” Harsha confirms.
Inspired by women who can switch from power to fun with ease, this black and gold collection made quite a splash at the launch. And rightly so. As for the name for those who are wondering, Pahar is Sanskrit for traditional unit of time. In other words, something one can pass on for generations to come.