From silk Anarkali with Persian motifs to embellished satin salwar kurtas – designer Rashi Kapoor’s latest collection — Sandook houses the perfect ethnic vibe for the upcoming festive season.
The essence of Kolkata-based couturier Rashi Kapoor’s eponymous label is best described as contemporary yet rooted in traditional crafts and designs. Attention to detail, rich craftsmanship, and clever use of high-end soft and delicate fabrics with intricate embroidery and easy-to-wear silhouettes are the USP of the label. Rashi Kapoor’s latest edit — Sandook not only is the reflection of everything that the brand is known for but also has all the markings of a wardrobe heirloom.
Exuding understated elegance, Sandook with its old-world appeal will let you travel back in time sartorially. Speaking about the graceful collection, which is a beautiful confluence of traditional and modish designs, couturier Rashi Kapoor says, “Sandook, is a homage to my mother. It is an attempt to resurrect the timeless elegance and grace that we have lost. From the embroideries to the Karigari, most of what you see in this collection was originally part of her clothes, which I attempted to replicate.” The designer adds, “My mother has been the inspiration for this collection, her timeless embroideries to the Karigari, all coming together is what drove this collection to fruition.”
The collection not only resonates with the old-world charm, but the name for the collection is also deeply rooted in earlier times. “Sandook was considered the most essential item of daaj (dowry) in the earlier times. The bride would carry her clothes, mattresses, and other smaller items of her daaj inside it. My mother, the textiles she wore, and my desire to resurrect her elegance were what motivated me to give this collection the name — Sandook,” explains Rashi, who was drawn to fashion ever since she was a child.
Talking about her journey, the talented designer says, “It all started when I first held the first outfit, I ever weaved for myself. The sensation of wearing handcrafted cloth was unlike any other. This is when I realised, I wanted every lady to feel the same elegance and delight I did. Nature continues to inspire my design today. The colours, patterns, and shapes all help introduce and evolve my designs with newer concepts as fashion evolves. This not only gives the new generation a different perspective and energy, but it also lets today’s women define themselves in the most expressive way.”
The couturier’s collection Sandook echoes her sensibilities and features festive pieces that have a royal aura and are Indian in inspiration. With a modern contemporary colour palette of summery shades like mustard, mint green, ice blue, blush pink and royal black, the pieces in the Sandook collection exude sheer opulence and glamour. Comprising largely of kurtas, Anarkali, palazzos, pants, flared pants, asymmetrical silhouettes, infused with gota work, delicate zari work, Persian motifs, sequins, glass work, creative borders, and hems — the collection is wrapped in luxury, and tells a story of wispy grace and delicate charm. Each ensemble in this collection is a prized offering to the vision of crafting luxury that feels like art. These are not just outfits but stories and memories waiting to be made.
“Sandook was an attempt to bring back the beauty and elegance that has been lost over time. Sandook is a combination of old-world grace and charm that exudes the appeal of fine workmanship and Karigari. One of them is an Anarkali, created as a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship, a silk dress with a variety of Persian designs worn with a simple silk palazzo and a gold and silver Banarasi woven dupatta. Most of the items in this collection, including the Karigari and the embroidery, were inspired by my mother's wardrobe,” informs Rashi, who has dressed Bollywood celebrities like Taapsee Pannu, Raveena Tandon, Divya Khosla Kumar, Gabriella Demetriades, and others.
Further elaborating about the collection, Rashi says, “This collection stands out for its main idea, narrative and how one feels while wearing them. Every collection, in my opinion, needs a unique set of tales that relate to the stylistic and design choices that are exclusive to that collection.”
The timeless collection, which is steeped in classic sensibilities, is a visual delight that is sure to make heads turn at your next soiree. Like Rashi Kapoor says, “From my mother’s Sandook to yours. I am certain that this collection is sure to grab your attention and make you feel that ‘unparalleled elegance and timeless beauty'.”
The price range for the collection starts at INR 35,000 and goes all the way up to 70,000 depending on the garment.
Pieces from Sandook can be purchased from Rashi Kapoor’s flagship stores in Kolkata. Alternatively, one can even contact Rashi Kapoor’s social media channels to make the purchase.