Sonali n Isha’s Maratha Style At LFW 2013

Sunday, August 25, 2013, 18:26 [IST]

LFW 2013 was so far about contemporary fashion. We have seen inspiring silhouettes, innovative lace work and even the modern face of tradition. But Harshitaa Chatterjee Deshpande re-invented an age old style on the stage of Lakme Fashion Week 2013. She experimented with the Maratha warrior style to create a collection that was both rich and royal.

Harshitaa C Deshpande's collection for LFW 2013 was inspired from the opulence of the Marathas who ruled the Western Ghats. The costumes are certainly reminiscent of the old Maratha kutras and churidars. She also used dhoti wrap pants and splendid gold jewellery. The half moon bindi added a touch of authenticity to the entire collection.

Both Harshitaa C Deshpande's showstoppers were Marathi ‘Mulgis'. The show was started by Isha Koppikar dressed in full Maratha warrior costume. Isha Koppikar wore a floor-length white silhouette with a brocade belt and carried a sword. Harshitaa C Deshpande's LFW 2013 collection was concluded by Sonali Bendre walking the ramp as a charming Maratha bride. Sonali Bendre's lehenga choli was an ensemble of rich silk fabric with golden embroidery.

Here are some of the best designs from Harshitaa C Deshpande's LFW 2013 collection.

Isha As Maratha Warrior

This white silk silhouette was typically worn by Maratha warriors before battle. But here, the dress has been made floor length and the churidar is not visible.

Brocade Belt n Silk Dupatta

The white and gold embroidered brocade belt and the pinkish red silk dupatta add a touch of elegance to this traditional warrior's outfit.

Brown Dhoti Wrap

The Maratha's also wore dhotis and that is the inspiration behind the modern dhoti paints. This brown silk dhoti wrap pant looks very classy with the embroidered sleeve-less top.

Green Silk Dhoti

This green silk dhoti has been wrapped like a traditional navari saree. In fact, without the full-sleeved green silk jacket, the outfit would have looked like a fisherwoman's costume.

Orange Silhouette

This orange silk silhouette is very similar to the white one that Isha Koppikar was wearing. The only difference is that the sleeved of this dress are slightly puffed.

Bottle Green Warrior’s Dress

This kurta is a rich and silken bottle green in colour. The gold jewellery that goes with the outfit is very traditionally Maharashtrian.

Grey Dhoti Wrap With Short Kurti

This grey coloured dhoti wrap looks very stylish. The white short kurti worn over the dhoti is a typical warrior's outfit. The bust is tight and the kurta flares out in frills after that.

Golden Pants n Half Saree

This outfit comprises of golden pants and a choli with a rasied collar. A blue coloured half saree has been draped over it.

Marathi Bride

Sonali Bendre concluded the show dressed as a demure Marathi bride. Her lehenga choli was orangish red in colour. It was embroidered in golden beads. The patterns on the lehenga choli ethnic Maharashtrian.