Illusory drapes

With a deft use of pattern and colour,a beautiful collection of easy-to-wear pieces make up Maya,comprising ornamental designs,layers,shadows and contrasting elements. “I don’t consciously try to do anything ‘different’; have never done that. I just design garments that reflect my inherent sense of style and help me give free rein to my imagination,” says Nanda,who has made his models sashay to the refrains of flautist Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia,mrudangam player Umayalpuram K Sivaraman and saxophone prodigy Raghav.

Satya Paul creations,like Cosmic Dance,the other latest collection by the premier design house have traditionally been inspired by classical art forms. “The Cosmic Dance collection is divided into three parts – Chola Bronze,Ogee and Crest — and each is inspired by history. The Chola Bronze collection,explores the various forms of hand mudras and carvings on bronze sculptures and uses them as motifs on sarees in ornate bronze shades,” says the ace designer. “The Ogee collection has bold ogee graphic prints,(traditional ornamental forms) that have been created using the decorative ogee arch with a pointed apex,formed by the intersection of two S -curves,in a collection embroidered in various hues of earthy greens and browns. The Crest collection,on the other hand,is inspired by the Satya Paul crest,a weave symbolic of the Satya Paul philosophy. It features sarees with embroidered motifs and varied designs in vibrant colours and monotones,” he adds.

Admittedly inspired by nature,Nanda has also been an interior and graphic designer,and an avid photographer. He has also clicked photographs for the Cosmic Dance collection,along with Sunil Divecha. “I like exploring various creative disciplines,which,in turn,helps in the growth of the Satya Paul brand,which has evolved from a quintessential Indian designer saree label to a global brand for international couture. And this evolution rests upon the intrinsic value of a proactive response to the universe it operates in and not just the fashion fraternity,” asserts Nanda. “Satya Paul set up shop in 1985,when the Indian fashion industry was at a nascent stage. Yet,we immediately established itself through originality and the stellar quality of our printed fabrics and garments and today,we have a varied range of extended product lines,which comprise of sarees,bridal wear,fusion and western wear,including scarves,bags,accessories and fabrics,” he adds.