31 years of fashion, one grand showcase: Sanskriti’s Bunon brings Kolkata’s fashion scene alive

"Our boutique is one of the oldest boutiques in Kolkata and the boutique culture started from Sanskriti. This collection is mainly exhibition and sale. The exclusive weaving sarees have been displayed here and not only that, there is a fashion show with three different segments of collection," said Lalia Dattagupta, founder and creative director of Sanskriti.

(L-R) Singer Pousali Banerjee; actress Richa Sharma; Founder and Creative Director of Sanskriti, Lalia Dattagupta; actress Devlina Kumar and actress Rajnandini Paul.

The boutique culture has traced its time forward in the city with Sanskriti, which showcased a range of installations at the exhibition, including a block printer brought in from its factory.

The display also offered visitors an opportunity to see the handwork created by artisans over the years, with artists present to demonstrate the process.

Actress Richa Sharma said, "Lalia (founder and creative director), congratulations to you. You've really amazed us with your connection with authenticity with everything. I have known Lalia for more than ten years and as I always said when intention is good, you can take anything to the top."

Richa Sharma as a showstopper at the fashion show of Sanskriti in a beautiful saree from Sanskriti's latest collection.

Alongside the installations, the exhibition featured exclusive woven sarees and a fashion show presenting three different collections.

The showcase, Bunon, also included corporate wear, designed as comfortable and wearable pieces suitable for corporate parties, meetings and daytime occasions.

"This is my second time working with Sanskriti and it's always been a pleasure to be associated with them. I think it's a very amazing concept where they exhibit their collection and at the same time the models walk around wearing the piece, to showcase how it would look", added actress Devlina Kumar.

Devlina Kumar as a showstopper at the fashion show of Sanskriti in a beautiful saree from Sanskriti's latest collection.

The collection further included the durga puja range, with offerings spanning affordable and budget-friendly options.

The fashion show featured ten models, including eight female models and two male models, along with showstoppers from music and film industries, including singers Pousali Banerjee, Lagnajita Chakraborty, actresses Richa Sharma, Devlina Kumar and Rajnandini Paul.

Singer Pousali Banerjee added, "Every state has its own colour and the responsibility which Lalia di (designer) has taken to sort which saree will go with which jewellery, is really commendable."

Pousali Banerjee as a showstopper at the fashion show of Sanskriti in a beautiful saree from Sanskriti's latest collection.

Marking Sanskriti's first solo exhibition-cum-sale with a fashion show, the event brought together its different collections, craftsmanship and fashion presentations in one space. The fashion house, which has previously organised several fashion shows, is looking at the exhibition as an opportunity to explore the experience before planning its next such showcase.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)