KOCHI: Fashion designer Arshiya Naina has always drawn inspiration from culture and dance. Her latest collection has explored the chilanka, an age-old accessory which accentuates the rhythm of classical dance. “Indians, including Malayalees are fixated with dance and art.
There is also a love for music. Almost everyone I have met has been taking up music or dance lessons, even those who are in their 40s and 50’s. It was these meetings that helped me try this alternative theme,” said Arshiya whose boutique is based on MG Road in Kochi. For the collection, Arshiya has subtly embellished chilanka bells on the upper and lower torso of the kurthas. “I have made sure these bells don’t stand out. However, with every movement you make, there is a soothing jingle,” she said.
Arshiya has also used a splash of colours on her costumes. “The minute you think dance, there is an image of colour and brightness. I have used simple splashes, such as pink, in certain places to bring in a fun element,” she said.
The fashion designer has also made use of the dance roopams motif in her collection. “Of course I have teaked it a lot. Placing a Kathakali face on to a design won’t work as a daily wear especially since it will look forced, but you can definitely tweak it to make the design more wearable,” she said.
Arshiya has also used the tabla and music notes in her latest collection. She has also introduced a kanchipuram lehenga, which is claimed to be the first in Kerala.
“There were many young brides who would tell me they would have loved to wear a lehenga with a kanchipuram touch for their wedding. This gave me the idea to try out the trend,” said Arshiya, who is a graduate of The Srishti School of Art Design and Technology.
But Arshia said experimenting on the kancheepuram was risky and costly. “Modifying a kancheepuram saree into a lehenga would involve a lot of cutting. But, the response was amazing and the orders keep coming,” she said.