Designer Jigar Mali’s latest collection — Hasrat pays homage to the rich heritage and architectural marvels of bygone eras with a touch of contemporary sophistication.
‘Hasrat’, a word derived from the depths of the Urdu language, embodies the essence of profound yearning, intense desire, and heartfelt longing. Rooted in the depths of human emotions, Hasrat is not only a powerful word but also the name of designer Jigar Mali’s latest enchanting collection. Jigar Mali, whose eponymous label has commanded attention since its launch in 2022, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to traditionally rooted aesthetics and his distinctive use of heritage crafts. The amalgamation of heritage and modern aesthetics add a regal allure to each of Jigar Mali's exquisite designs. With Hasrat, Jigar once again unveils his mastery over his craft.
“Our latest collection draws inspiration from mesmerizing, age-old vintage paintings. Guided by a desire to bring history to life, we embarked on a journey to transform century-old artworks into tangible garments while still maintaining the essence and authenticity of that era,” reveals the couturier, who is also a favourite with Bollywood divas like Madhuri Dixit, Ileana D’cruz, Raveena Tandon, Aditi Rao Hydari, Pooja Hegde to name a few.
Jigar, who has been part of the fashion industry for a decade, is known to draw inspiration from dance, classical music, nature, and everything around him; and translate all that into timeless, classic, and high-quality ensembles. Hasrat is no different. Speaking about the inspiration for the latest edit, Jigar adds, “Hasrat takes influences from Indian heritage and architecture while incorporating modern design elements that beautifully merge the old-world charm with a touch of modern sophistication. Through intricate motifs and delicate embellishments, our garments pay homage to the rich heritage and architectural marvels of bygone eras.”
“‘Hasrat’ symbolizes the yearning for a connection to our roots, as we blend traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary touch, hence it felt like a perfect fit for this collection,” reveals Jigar, explaining the significance behind the collection's name.
A magnificent symphony of craft, colour, and character, the magic of Hasrat lies in its opulent embellishments, showcasing intricate workmanship and impeccable attention to detail.
“We have incorporated a lot of earthy tones and vintage motifs with the aim to create a collection that is timeless and evergreen through the expertise of our craftsmanship and design sensibilities. We focus on using extremely luxurious but comfortable fabrics such as Chanderi and Organza, and all our pieces are detailed with traditional gold dori and aari embroidery,” Jigar gives an insight into the collection.
“The overall aesthetic for the entire collection, including the creative direction and presentation of the collection, was to retain the vintage element of the paintings but give them a nayi seher (new beginning and life),” explains Jigar, who started the brand Jigar Mali to bring forth his passion for regal and vintage Indian couture.
A beautiful confluence of traditional and contemporary, Hasrat stands out for its classic elegance. “The USP of the collection, we believe is truly in the fact that we have created pieces that feel luxurious and beautiful for now but will also remain evergreen for the future,” says the couturier.
With an eclectic colour palette spanning from violet and lilac, to mustard and olive green, from lime and aqua to pink and navy, Hasrat offers a mesmerizing array of lehengas, sarees, Anarkali, sharara and more. Each ensemble in this collection stands as a cherished testament to the art of crafting luxury that transcends mere fashion.
Amongst the remarkable pieces, the Sahiba jacket set holds a special place in Jigar Mali's heart. As the designer shares, "This collection truly has something that everyone, all age groups, will love, and as I mentioned, we have looked at creating something that is timeless and classic and something that people will love for years to come. However, the Sahiba Jacket Set is a beautiful olive-green jacket set that has become a personal favourite" With each ensemble meticulously handcrafted to reflect, enhance, and celebrate femininity, Jigar Mali's creations pay homage to our rich cultural heritage.
Jigar Mali's Hasrat edit embodies a regal charm steeped in Indian sensibilities while embracing a contemporary update and has all the markings of a wardrobe heirloom.
Prices for the collection start at INR 40,000, and it is available for purchase online at www.jigarmali.com, at the Jigar Mali store in Mehrauli or through their social media pages as well. Additionally, the collection is also available to purchase exclusively through Ogaan.