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The chalk designs on the steps of the Coomara- swamy Hall in the campus of the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India welcomed visitors, telling them they were in for a Parsi treat. The small foyer, decorated with red rangoli and an art installation in white fabric with his trademark cranes handcrafted in mixed mediums welcomed visitors to couturier Ashdeen Lilaowala’s two-day exhibition on March 12-13, 2022. The genial Delhi-based designer told Parsiana that he was showcasing his largest collection thus far with 50 unique saris. "These include our Paradise-crafted collection of garas inspired by India’s unparalleled craftsmanship and lehengas from our ‘Firdaus collection,’” he stated. "Our Parsi bridal saris that are a perennial favorite and our newest stoles and accessories (are) also part of the exhibition,” he told us when we visited on the second day. Helpful staff was showing visitors around and assisting them to drape the saris in front of two full length mirrors. Cranes also featured on a two dimensional white installation hanging between the saris, stoles and accessories of different hues. "The emerald greens are very popular in this show… Reds are as popular as ever,” the designer said. An unusual motif, this time pomegranates, featured on a purple sari. Pointing out to a traditional cheena cheeni (Chinese figures) motif with a difference, the couturier explained his take on the traditional design: an elaborately embroidered multi-hued pattern on a black background that tells the story of three wise men on a journey to reach paradise and the creatures they encounter on their quest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"By choosing the Museum as the venue for our exhibition we are doing our bit towards the protection and preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage, something we as a brand care about deeply,” communicated Lilaowala. "Timelessness is one of the cornerstones of our brand and given the venue, its location and our relationship with the city of Bombay, we collaborated with artist Ruchita Madhok to create Art Deco style invites and posters depicting women in our signature Parsi garas,” he stated.
The Museum, now renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, is celebrating the 100th anniversary this year.                                        

 Farrokh Jijina