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To use a maritime expression, Anupama Dayal found her sea legs for Spring Summer 2017. Themed 'Pirates Of Kolkata', the designer's maritime inspiration worked best when translated into something creative. The danger of a theatrical theme is that it could have turned out to be too literal and unrealistic for everyday wear but that couldn't have been further from the truth — Anupama showcased beautiful languid dresses with on-trend cutout shoulders, off-the-shoulder blouses, fluid skirts and wide-leg pants, some accessorised with pirate-inspired sun hats! Maritime references were evidenced in the predominantly blue and white palette and ceramic prints — an important part of trade in that era.
Why maritime history? 'My excitement comes from the multi-culture that is born in port cities' the show notes quoted her. And who would know better than someone whose base has always been Kolkata? Where the designer excelled was when she discreetly melded the maritime theme into her signature flirty, fluid ensembles that had great movement. Short sexy printed dresses in shades of blue — one with with an asymmetric ruffled shoulder, another with cutout shoulders, were designed with a crisp yet relaxed hand. PS I just love the way she styled the looks sans footwear so all eyes would be on the sensuous handmade anklets. And hours after the showing I can't help marvelling Dayal's dexterous hand at mixing colors, prints and silhouettes in contemporary yet culturally rooted sensibilities.
— JASMEEN DUGAL
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