"Portraits" - Fall 2020
New Delhi: September 2020: Presenting, 'Portraits' by Seema Gujral, an effort to showcase the vintage glamour that was Indian royalty. Blue blood is in the cultural fabric of the nation, a history that’s laden with opulence and elan, a story that calls to be told, in a new and unique manner. ‘Portraits’ are not just ensembles but tales, tales of tradition and beautifully woven diversity, created for the modern bride, who wants to wear the beauty of her roots on her special day. It is an innately regal collection, where each piece has a character and a face, inspired by the Maharanis of yore, where every bride should feel that sense of regalia. Couturier, Seema Gujral found inspiration when she chanced upon a collection of heritage imagery of royal couture and the architecture of Rajasthan’s forts and palaces and she went on to create a unique collection of 12 ensembles for the Modern Indian bride. "Portraits" as a collection is a blend of royal charm coupled with modern sensibility, driven by a holistic vision of when luxury meets comfort. The revolutionary amalgamation of traditional crafts, one-of-a kind handiwork and contemporary haute couture generates alluring, urbane and time-less attire. This collection has rejuvenated and redefined age-old Indian royalty through garments for the Maharanis of the current generation. These ensembles are for the women who respect the values of the land and its rich cultural heritage and don’t have to be blue blooded to feel like Queens. The designs in this collection, spell clean lines where old world charm merges seamlessly with nouveau Indian grandeur. The brand creates couture diffusion, which is Indian in sensibility yet international in quality and finesse. The brand’s USP lies in fine, intricate embroidery, stylizing and attention to detail, culminating into a classic and elegant style in women’s couture.
‘Portraits’ as a collection follows the delicately evolving phases of Maharanis, where time moved but the craftsmanship was such that each piece remained timeless. With two design forms, Ghararas and Lehengas, it is the subtle detailing that makes each piece unique. The three-dimensional floral embroideries using varied fabrics, embroidery materials and a combination of various embroidery techniques along with traditional Rajasthani mirror work and soft multicoloured sequins is the signature for this collection. The garments are elegantly created with pride and passion as reflected in the fine craftsmanship of intricate embroideries, gotta patti and mirror work. The colour palette is an eclectic mix of softer hues for the day occasions such as ivory, beige, yellow and deep mustards, rusts, and reds for the night. Then there is the light rose gold gota patti work heavily accentuated with pearls and crystals to create a glamorous silhouette that works for occasions that span through the day. The collection also features trending elements like double dupattas and embroidered belts which bring the modern element to essentially traditional Indian festive wear. The colours are celebratory, from the crystals to the sequins to the mirror work, each piece is hand woven, hand studded, like true artisanal pieces should be.
Speaking about her latest couture collection, Couturier Seema Gujral said "I am very excited to showcase my couture collection ‘Portraits’ . Through this collection I have tried to express my love for Indian royalty through elaborate embroideries and intricate craftsmanship making each piece timeless. I believe that there is a sense of hidden royalty in every woman & this collection will help them unleash the queen within.”
Portraits by Seema Gujral is now available at Seema Gujral’s Studio as well as Aza, Ogaan, Pernia’s Pop Up Shop and Origins
Address: B-135, B Block, Sector 6, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Instagram: @seemagujraldesign