SANTHOSH KUMAR

Runway Report

Santhosh Kumar is renowned as a bright star in the Southern fashion industry. And a heartfelt conversation with the designer and his guruji before his show at Pune Fashion Week proved it without a doubt. Craft and comfort are his forte and his style can best be described as youthful with edgy undertones… but there is more to it than just that, as he explained, "I design for the youth! Moreover, I have always wanted to support weavers and when I got the opportunity I didn't wanted to lose it." His guruji added, "We work with craftspeople, weavers and artisans to bring them out of the poverty line and we aspire to give them a better market and sustainable income."

 

As the first looks came out, it was apparent the label exemplifies effortless elegance — languid, youthful and sleek, cut with architectural precision. As expected, casual elegance ruled the runway and in sync with his vision to keep handloom fabrics desirable and sought after, he showcased a sleek, youthful pret line. Hot-sellers include the blouse with large ruffled sleeves worn with a miniskirt; the tasselled, ruffled blouse worn with shorts; and the one-sleeved asymmetrical tunic worn with shorts. What did I love most? Integration of traditional handloom craft into young, modern design that in turn would create employment opportunities for small craft clusters. Salut.

— JASMEEN DUGAL