Suited For Summer

Made from flax fibres, Linen is a fabric of choice for the discerning with its effortless yet chic look much sought after by the fashion designers of today

- Sharmi Adhikary

Cool. The best word to describe linen. The way the fabric looks and feels. Made from the fibres of the flax plant, the use of linen can be traced back to ancient India, Greece, Egypt and Rome. Yes, the predilection for this airy fabric has withstood the vagaries of time.

In the space of fashion, linen has evolved over time. A universal sartorial choice during the gruelling summer, there are regular innovations with this textile using a plethora of techniques, colours and embellishments to appeal to the discerning. A fabric that fits fluently into the modern boardroom as well as leisure lounges, linen is gradually entering the party and wedding circuit as well, opine fashion savants. This, despite the fact that the sweat-absorbent textile creases easily. But therein lies its beauty. A carefully careless look that is effortless and chic. Sharp and smart. Here’s what designers are recommending in linen to make the cruel heat a bit more bearable. And stylish.

Anavila Misra (Women)

An institution in handwoven linen, it’s difficult to imagine an Indian summer without Anavila Misra’s saris and separates. Clothes that spell easy charm, slow living and casual chic, this season her new collection ‘In Between’ consists of kurta sets, saris and blouses made with light weight textiles and finer yarns. The focus is on easy textures in comfortable silhouettes and light shades. In short, thoroughly romantic summer scene.

Says Misra, “It is a simple pastel story, predominantly white, with flowy silhouettes and soft floral details. We have reworked the age-old techniques to create unique designs. Cross stitch, jamdani, khatwa, batik and hand block printing are the prominent techniques used.”