Archana Archana’s new kalamkari collection is all about revival

Red-crowned cranes pirouette as a metaphor to ‘Revival’ in Hyderabad designer Archana Archana’s new kalamkari line

Hyderabad-based designer Archana Jaju’s new collection is called Revival, the name ringing apt as we step out of the second wave of COVID-19. Archana, however, began working on this formal and ready-to-wear line before the pandemic set in. The inspiration: the red-crowned crane. She spotted these birds, often referred to as Japanese cranes, in India and learnt that they were nearly endangered in the early 20th century in Japan. Subsequently, an increase in numbers were witnessed as legal protection came into place with the bird being designated as a Special Natural Monument in 1952. Reportedly, there are around 1300 red-crowned cranes in Japan. The crane is a recurring motif in kalamkari. Revival also alludes to the perseverance and resilience of the young, independent Indian woman, according to Archana. Saris, kurtas, midi dresses and tops in relaxed silhouettes in Chanderi and organza, dipped in natural dyes of earthy pastel hues get embellished with thread, sequins and mirror work and portray these cranes as ballerinas.