November 7, 2019: Indian brand Good Earth celebrated ten years of its clothing label – Sustain by hosting its first independent fashion presentation – SINDHU. The collection traversed the history of India through fabrics, motifs, weaves, embellishments, and clothing, as seen through the Good Earth lens.
The 72 ensembles showcased during the show included Good Earth’s first-ever Menswear collection. Speaking on this milestone, Mrs Anita Lal, Founder and Creative Director, Good Earth said, "SINDHU…is a tribute to the nomadic groups, travellers, traders, innovators, patrons, lovers, artisans, so many who were intermediaries of a multitude of ideas and innovations from one place to another; the Banjaras, Rabaris, Kutchis, gypsy tribes like the Romani and numerous others with intermingled stories, that have enriched our culture and rendered our heritage unparalleled."
The pivotal craft of the collection is Ajrak, a time-honoured craft of the communities of Kutch, that has been explored in new, contemporary prints and patterns recreated in different mediums such as the Fostat Brocade, a 15th century, hand-blocked Ajrakh pattern originally from Gujarat, but found in Fustat Egypt, which has been reinterpreted in silk brocade by the master weavers of Benaras.
The second leitmotif that ties the collection is Ajrakh Mingora, named after a region in Swat valley, which is a signature pattern of clouds, lotuses, dots, and fish scales created in traditional hand-blocked Ajrakh in natural dyes. Besides Ajrak, Sindhu showcased the richness of crafts from across the country – traditional Mashru from Bhuj along with lighter cotton silk stripes in bright jewel tones handwoven in Benaras, Bandhini tie-and-dye with highlights of the painstaking rai-dana variety from Bhuj, and the folk Chaand (crescent Moon) motif from Bikaner, Punjabi Phulkari, Sindhi taanka (embroidery), Rabari mirrorwork, folk beading, varq, leheriya and hand-block prints.
Sindhu presented a multitude of traditional and contemporary silhouettes. Salwars, knee-length kurtas (pashka), chogas, large shawls or chadars, long jackets, kediyo tops with long dresses, dushalas, lehengas, angrakhas, and saris were seen in traditional womenswear. While a range of structured jackets, pants, short tops, overlays, and flowing maxis were some of the contemporized silhouettes of the collection.
Good Earth’s debut Menswear line, Abeer, is designed for the global traveller, rooted in culture, featured structured jackets, draped tunics and trousers, kurtas, shirts and jumpsuits.
Traditional Madder, Indigo, and Syahi (inky charcoal), with additions of ochre, rani pink (fuchsia), and emerald and jade greens created a truly Indic colour palette for Sindhu. Tie-ups, tassels, embroidered ponchos (trouser cuffs), delicate crochet potlis in metallic zari, and motifs of peacocks, camels, and desert palms in Zardozi made for a vision of ancient, artisanal splendour.
Select styles of the Sindhu collection have launched at Good Earth Khan Market. The collection will be retailed through pret drops across the year and also via bespoke orders.
