Sari as resort wear? Why not, asks designer Anupamaa

Panaji: You`d think a bikini, a swimsuit or a kaftan would be apt as resort wear, but designer Anupamaa Dayal surprised everyone when she showcased saris as part of her collection at the India Resort Fashion Week (IRFW) here. She says the idea is not just to keep the Indianness intact, but also to offer some unique resort garments to international buyers.

"I was really excited when the idea of sari as a part of a resort wear line came to mind. I never deny the fact that I am vastly inspired by western sensibility, but then I thought how about giving in an Indian touch to it? The whole world is crazy about sari so why not give it a different twist," Dayal told reporters.

The four-day fashion extravaganza, which started Wednesday, has designers galore showcasing resort wear lines replete with bikinis, kaftans, maxi gowns, trousers and opaque kurtas. But Dayal stood out as she was the only one to think out-of-the-box and showcase a mix of ghagras and saris in her collection titled "Sherbet".

Even though resort wear has a niche market in India, it sells well for Dayal, who considers it her signature style.

"My last resort collection sold like anything. (International designer store) Anthropology had taken more than 30 pieces from me, so I thought why not use this (IRFW) platform to move a step ahead.

"Also, when I started my designing career, people used to say my work is completely resort-based and that I was perfect for making resortwear trends, so I thought let`s just make it my signature style," she said.

The designer feels Indians have more knowledge about resortwear trends, and if the talent is put to use rightly, we can do wonders.

"We understand the sun, weather and fabrics like anybody else. Also, our techniques and processes are very organic. So, if we put it all together in the market, it will be a lethal combination which will attract international buyers any day," she said.