Shaibal Saha’s Desert influenced fashion designs

This year's Apsara Fashion Week highlighted the work of Shaibal Saha, designer at Anjans. A sustainable line of clothing extracting inspiration from the waves created in the desert and nature featured in the collection.

Saha's line consisted of six clothes, all in neutral and cooler tones, and colours resembling the desert hues like beige, off-white, and golden.

Behind all of Saha's work lies the influence and poise of nature. Particularly for the clothes in this line, he mimics the waves the desert sands create and the gradients which arise in that environment.

The waves and styles of the outfit incorporated a subtle fluid movement which creates the illusion of rhythm in a mesmerising desert surroundings. The abstract features of the dresses complement its inspiration source, making the collection all the more fascinating.

The elegance of each outfit was highlighted with simplistic block prints, flower designs and patterns. All six outfits are made using natural fibres. Made from khadi cloth and natural jute, and other natural materials like sea-shells, all the patterns and designs are made by hand. Each clothing is unique in its own way and tells its own story.

All of Saha's original creations, taking about a month to conceptualise and create, have subtle overlaps of colours similar to the overlapping waves visible in a mirage. The headpieces add a dimension of sophistication and flare, bringing the entire outfit together and fulfilling the natural desert-inspired look from head to toe. Other than the outfits and headpieces, the shoes, jewellery and accessories are also made utilising jute. 

Saha takes all his inspiration from nature and nature's happenings. Not only has he created a bold and elegant collection embodying the intricacies and movements of the desert mirage, but has also used local and sustainable materials. This line is not only unique and breath-taking in its story and inspiration, but also in its designs, materials, and creation.

Photo: Uturn Production

Model: Maria, Hira, Mili, Tania, Efa, Nazia

Wardrobe: Shaibal Saha

Make-up: Orko

Co-ordination: Sonia Yeasmin Isha