Introduction to the Designer

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o INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGNER

Between the idea and reality, between the motion and the act; lie the will to succeed and

excel. It is the same that has driven designer duo Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev.

Mona and Pali, the formidable sister duo

fromBengal, who have placed Kolkata

on the National map share a home and a

cause for designing. These designers

gave in to an inner compulsion, a natural

aesthetic urge and opted out of their

respective professions to pursue a

dream in design with total dedication and

determination. They were amongst the

first few designers to hit the catwalk

more than a decade ago. They started from home in 1985 at the behest of

their friends, who had persuaded them to create their clothes, which they

executed competently and successfully. In 1987, they flagged off their

gracious boutique Monapali in Kolkata making their dream a reality. After

that, there was no looking back as they moved on to become stalwarts of the

Indian fashion Industry retailing through their outlets in New Delhi(Hauz Khas

Village), Ahmedabad and other prestigious showrooms all over India. Mona

and Pali have held several shows throughout the country and abroad. Along

with other designers their shows were a yearly event at Ffolio (Bangalore) and

Glitrratti (Mumbai). Time and again they have been invited by the government

of India and NIFT to participate in various events all over the country. They

represented India in China in the Festival of India inChina in 1994 and

Bridals Summit- Asia Pacific in 1999 in New Delhi. They have been a part of

the Lakme India Fashion Weeks (2000-2003) and the Bridal Asia. It is as rare

as a compliment; LakmeIndia has launched a lipstick named after the

designer duo called Monapali. They have held as many solo shows in

Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta and Ahmedabad and were inducted in the Kingfisher

hall of fame in the year 2000. These designers have also showcased their

collections at Femina Miss India. They held three shows at the Saturday Cluband Swabhumi in Kolkata and also at the New Delhi International Fashion


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Week 2002 where they shared the platform with international designers. In

October 2002 they were the first designers from the sub continent to

participate in the Toronto fashion week. In 2003, the designers have already

showcased their collections at the launch of ITCSonar Bangla in Kolkatta and

at a midnight show organized by Tantra at Park Hotel Kolkata. The spring

summer collection 2003 of these designers was also raved about when

showcased in a solo show at the Grand Hotel, Kolkata. Quite, reticent and

self-effacing, they are considered by fashion pundits as Silent Contributors of

the fashion world, who the livening up of the India Fashion scenario. Rohit

Khosla, the father of Indian fashion industry, had applauded their work and

remarked that they were one of the most innovative and original designers.

(Appeared in the Economic Times- E.T Esquire). The design Philosophy of

Monapali revolves around creating garments, which are a work of art. Their

endeavor is to craft ensembles, which are unique and enhance the wearers

personality. These designers have created clothes, which make style

statements and strike a balance between Indian and international fashion.

The garments offered range from casual to heavy formals. Their clothes are

an eclectic mix of design elements generally inspired from the ethnic cultural

roots of India. What make the designs distinctly Monapali is the

unconventional mix of mediums: be it in textures, prints or embroidery. The

designer duo were the ones who revived kantha, folk (Madhubani, Worli,

Patta chitra) tribal motifs and the alpana from the realms of oblivion and

elevated it to the status of Haute Couture culture. They have also combined

block print with spray/smudge prints and hand paint, cut through layers of

fabric to create distinct patterns and torn fabrics to create anew. In essence

the Monapali garments have a signature look which brings forth the best of

the east and the west.


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o MONAPALIS DESIGN COLLECTION IN 2012

o Tradition entwined with modern sensibility, old-fashioned charm mixed

with contemporary eclecticism, and a rich sensuality mingled with

polished, urban serenity is the mood ofMonapalis Autumn Winter

2012 Phirkee collection. The collection celebrates rawness and

earthiness juxtaposed with sophistication and elegance.

o Fabric: Chiffon and satin have been used with lycra and constructed

net fabric.

o Colours: Vibrant palette in shades of reds, pinks, magenta and

turquoise with highlights in shades of wine, blue, brown and purple.

o Silhouette: A classic silhouette in soft, sensual and elegant drapes.

o Surface treatment: Surface texturing, ornamentation, lattice work and

thread work are the key elements that make up the collection. Lace,

crochet, appliqu and tape all mingle in, to add a dramatic flair.


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A KALEIDOSCOPE OF MONAPALIS DESIGNS IN 2012 and 2011


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o BIBLIOGRAPHY

jaipur.co/monapali

timescontent.com

wikipedia.com

sareeblousefashion.com

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Introduction to the Designer