Bhubaneswar: Aside from health and related issues, the scorching summer heat has posed another problem, especially for the fashion conscious women and ladies who have to venture out in the heat for a vocation Most seem to be at a loss as to what they should wear to feel comfortable during these harsh times.
In such conditions, linen, the textile made from the fibres of the flax seed, has taken the fashion world in the capital city by storm. It is not only replacing the six yards of silk and cotton sarees this summer, but also making a statement. Whether it is sarees, kurtis or dresses, of late, women here seem to have fallen in love with this material.
In fact, Anavila Misra is a forerunner of the ‘linen saree movement’, who started her label in 2011. According to Misra, Linen turned out to be a great way to change perceptions about saree fashion. In her words, “Nobody has ever thought about linen saree before, given that the fabric was light, breathable and versatile.” She changed the sticky heavy yard into loose fall flat saree with 80-120 thread count. Orissa POST interacted with a few city-based designers, consumers and experts at fashion institutes to know more about the linen craze that seems to be sweeping the city.
An ace city-based designer says, “Linen is the best thing a woman can wear these days, be it to a party, a brunch or for a date. It never goes out of style. What’s more exciting is that these days one can avail colourful blaze linen dresses as well as sarees.”
What was earlier known as the politicians’ clothing has now taken everyone by surprise. Jyostna of Bivabari Fashion says her clients often demand linen dresses as they are lighter and more comfortable. “I incorporate linen with patchwork and embroidery which adds to the textile’s glamour quotient. I even designed short kutras for men with linen.”
Amiya Priyadarshini, a final year student of NIFT, informed, “My summer fashion show at the institute was entirely based on linen, which I had customised with abstract print blouse, use of leather belts, colourful roses made of net and long over-coats. My show was a hit and people bought items overnight. Now, I am thinking of designing another linen saree line.”
Asmita Evan, a new entrant to the print advertisement arena, prefers linen kurtis matched with cotton trousers to any other popular fabric. She says, “Linen is breezy and light and it falls just perfect on my figure. It has a unique texture and feel. Plus, there is no need for hardcore maintenance.”
Actress Archita Sahu, who is a brand ambassador of Smart City Bhubaneswar, too finds it comfortable to wear a linen dress. What’s more, actress and director Nandita Das wore a dust-gold linen saree with matching blouse at the recently concluded Festival de Cannes wowing all at the Red Carpet event.
Hence, going by the trend, there is no doubt that lustrous linen saris are already enjoying their pride of place and are here to stay.
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