Charu Parashar pays tribute to Rajasthan royal heritage at RFW

From long flowing silhouettes beautifully embellished with zardozi and Swarovski to elegant saris and multi-coloured anarkalis accompanied with stylish accessories, designer Charu Parashar's collection at the Rajasthan Fashion Week (RFW) 2013 was a tribute to the state's royal heritage and culture.

Parashar showcased her collection titled "An Ode to Royalty" on the day two of ongoing RFW at the Fairmont here.

"This is my second time here. I feel as a designer, in Rajasthan, the involvement and the look has to be synonymous to the royalty as they are the ones who depict the grandeur and heritage of Rajasthan. I have created all bridal couture, but in terms of colours and silhouettes it's very Rajasthani," Parashar told IANS.

"I have taken inspiration for the collection from the royal princesses and queens. Back in those days how they used to get dressed, how they used to carry themselves... I have tried to bring back that era. We have done lot of embroideries. The collection is very flowy, lot of craftsmanship is involved and intricate work has been done on the outfits," she added.

The designer started working on the collection four months back. She visited several palaces and museums across the state. "They were beautiful. If you visit the city palace, you will see the beautiful work done on the walls, on the marbles and stones... I have tried to copy that on the outfits," she said.

She informed a lot of kundan work, zari, aari, zardozi, hand embroidery tie and dye, applique work and block printing has been done. "Beautiful threadwork, sequin work has been done. I have used fabrics like chiffons, silks, crepes, nets and designer laces. I have created red carpet gowns also fusing the traditional and contemporary elements," said Parashar.

Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur opened the show whereas Princess Jayanandini Singh of Jodhpur ended it.

"Back in those days people used to say, the event will begin only when the royals will be present. So I have added this fun element and have invited both of them to grace the occasion. They usually don't attend these events but I feel their presence was indispensible," said Parashar.

"When I do a show, I make sure that the theme and concept is clear in my mind. I have mixed traditional and modern elements keeping in mind the changing preferences of the customers," she added.

The colour palette includes Rajasthani colours like orange, yellow, red, emerald green and beige. " I have also added grey to provide a unique look."

The weaving techniques include French knots, resham work and khakas which forms the base of the embroidery.