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Pix: Swadeshi style, batik beauties on the ramp

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Designer Soumitra Mondal continues to promote the cause closest to his heart on the runway -- khadi and traditional textiles. Here is a glimpse of his collection 'Frome' on Day One of the LFW.

Khadi is the essence of Swadeshi... please wear natural and handloom stuff, if you support a weaver, it means you support a family."

So says Soumitra Mondal, whose latest offering 'Frome' at Fashion Week was inspired once again by handloom textiles and particularly by Batik, the centuries-old wax resist dyeing technique.

Earthy tones and handmade finishes were the order of the day and antique gold embroidery brought out the best in the creations.

Here we have Surelee Joseph in a green and brown drape with just a hint of glimmer.

Print passion

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

A model cops attitude in a rich batik kurta of green, red and black, worn over black churidaar pants.

Demure damsel

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

The luscious, deep red of this ghagra is toned down by a subtle green-black wrap.

Bold enough to experiment

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Mondal takes a more casual turn with menswear, teaming funky slim-fit pants (which you really need to be able to carry off!) with a basic black shirt.

Making a statement

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

The earthy tone and floral motif on this brown outfit receive a lively boost courtesy that bright batik dupatta.

Fuss-free fashion

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Simplicity personified, this tunic is the ideal no-frills number, teamed with Kolhapuri slippers -- you know those will never go out of style!

Feminine foliage tones

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Green and maroon adorn a beautiful swirling anarkali worn over churidaars.

Traditional feel

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Freddy Daruwala strikes a pose in a kurta-pajama set worn underneath a sleeveless green jacket and topped with a rich batik shawl.

Smooth as silk

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

A pretty khadi silk sari worn by Nicole Faria creates a diversion.

Second coming

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Another anarkali takes to the ramp in a swirl of green and red.

Fresh floral

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

Nethra Raghuraman takes a turn in a lovely drape of geometrically placed florals.

Final offering

Last updated on: September 17, 2010 21:22 IST

And here we have Mondal's showstopper, a reverie in red that took everyone's breath away.