A collection of more than 100 pashmina shawls will be exhibited in Dubai on December 5
Dubai-based designers Kalpana Danthi and Neetu Mulani will launch their label called Embrace with an exhibition of pashmina shawls coordinated with matching bags and ponchos.
Their collection will be displayed at the Ionian Suite in the Jumeirah Beach Club on December 5, from 10am to 8pm. Prices start at Dh200.
The collection comprises more than 100 shawls, each one different from the other. The designs encompass several moods and styles ranging from classic formal wear to funky and fun pieces.
The formal collection is embellished with intricate zardosi, Kashmiri and gara embroidery, brocade work, antique coins, lace trims, bead tassels and cutwork edges.
The designers have also used sequinned Chantilly lace, chiffon appliqué work, crochet and delicate cutwork to create shawls that are in tune with latest fashion trends.
Rich and varied palette
Those who prefer a more funky and casual look can choose from pieces trimmed with fur or embellished with leather, net and frills. A highlight of the collection is the rich and varied palette of colours ranging from bright fuchsia to understated beiges and browns and the interesting blends of contrasting shades.
Most of the shawls are accompanied by matching bags and poncho tops or fabric that can be stitched into a kurti or other garments of the customer's choice.
Kalpana Danthi studied fashion designing in Mumbai, India, and has two decades of experience in the field. She began her career by working in an Arabic boutique and has formal training in Arabic workmanship. In the early 1990s, she opened.
Shehzadi, the first Indian designer boutique in Dubai and over the years has organised several successful exhibitions of her designer Indian garments.
After the birth of her children, Kalpana preferred to work from home as a fashion consultant designing wedding trousseaus and other garments for her clients.
"I have a loyal clientele of Arab and Indian women. But I wanted to reach out to other nationalities living in this multicultural city. Hence I decided to launch our label with a collection of shawls, which can be coordinated with western as well as ethnic attire," says Kalpana.
"Although I have been designing for many years, I have waited so long to launch this label because I believe in perfection and wanted to showcase a collection that is eclectic and with impeccable finish.
"We have picked the best quality Pashminas from Nepal and India and had them dyed to get just the right shades. We have used luxurious silk and satin linings on the more delicate pieces and used skilled craftsmen," she adds.
Kalpana's friend and partner Neetu Mulani is a fashion enthusiast. She began by holding exhibitions of ethnic garments from India in Dubai, but was soon inspired to start designing herself.
"Kalpana and I are good friends and have an excellent rapport. It has been great working together and I am looking forward to launching our label. I hope our designs can transcend cultural boundaries and are embraced by women of all nationalities, ages and backgrounds," says Neetu.
The exhibition
Embrace – a collection of pashmina shawls coordinated with matching bags and ponchos.
Designers: Kalpana Danthi and Neetu Mulani .
Date: December 5, from 10am to 8pm.
Venue: Ionian Suite, Jumeirah Beach Club, Dubai.
Prices: Start from Dh200.
