One of the loveliest shifts in Indian fashion over the past decade has been the re-emergence of the handloom sari, now often elegantly and comfortably worn with an exciting range of contemporary ‘anti-fit’ blouses. Raw Mango, headed by designer Sanjay Garg, has been one of the pioneers of that movement.
Raw Mango’s hallmark is vibrant, surprising colours, and a perfect fusing of traditional motifs (lotus flowers, parrots, cows) and technique, with an exquisite minimalism. Working mainly with chanderi, mashru and banarasi, the design house has revived and innovated various endangered weaving techniques. Garg’s work on the weaving process of chanderi, for example, has allowed Raw Mango to produce their signature product – wearable, drape-able sarees in that most ethereal and feminine of fabrics.
The brand has proved elusive for international shoppers – with only a very limited selection made available online every now and again, and at least in London, few stockists. So it’s hugely exciting news that they’re coming to London, with Sanjay Garg in attendance too.
The exhibition will feature Raw Mango’s various collections of sarees, jackets, dresses, kurtas and lehngas. Sanjay Garg was one of the first designers (alongside Payal Khandwala) to remind us of the wonders of the handwoven banarasi lehnga, which went on to inspire the likes of Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra. Garg likes to present his with a minimalist blouse or kurta, and a gossamer organza dupatta. It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing, as seen here on Kareena Kapoor.
When: Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 June 2017, 10am – 6pm
Where: Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP
Admission: FREE
More info: Raw Mango in London
By Seema Khan.
Posted on 31 May 2017
Photos courtesy Raw Mango