Five Star textiles introduce their Spring/Summer Lawn collection for the summers of 2013 designed by vetaran Indian designer JJ Valaya. Shoot   endorsed by Meesha Shafi & Maria.

5 such inspirations from the past.

 1. Zari: In 1500 BC, Zari was thought to have adorned the attire of gods. Historically, Zari consisted of pure silver wires whose surface was fused with real gold leaves. This was known as ‘Kalabattu.’

Metal threads of Gold, Silver, Copper and Bronze are carefully woven together to create a Zari fabric, called Brocade. The intricate patterns adopted on fine silk tell a story of the bygone era, resurrecting the royal stature of a woman, left behind in the shadows of her past.

2. Nizam: Derived form the Arabic word ‘Nizam”, which means order and arrangement, it’s an expression for a ruler meaning His exalted Highness. The Nizam of Hyderabad was a renowned figure and this collection is an imitation of his royal Aura.

Infused with a palate of myriad colors like earth, beige, brown and accents of gold, the fabrics display a rich blend of history. The intricate articulation held with jeweled necklines brings alive portraits of erstwhile royalty.

3. Naqaashi: “A teardrop on the eternal cheek of love”, wrote an acclaimed philosopher on the Taj. A facet of Mughal architecture, Naqaashi is a form of etching primarily done on stone, wood, marble and gold. It’s a tale of workmanship, a manifestation of man’s creative genius, struggling to create the spectacular.

A ballad of artistry that transits across borders of time and space, the designer sought to bring Naqaashi from beneath the folds of a forgotten art to its present day avatar. The contrast palate of black and white with neutral shades weaves magic on the woman within you.

4. Jamawar: One of the oldest forms of art woven on a fabric, the jamavar design is a unique floral pattern that resembles the mango fruit, commonly known as ‘Ambi’. Historically, an authentic jamavar shawl required decades of intricate craftsmanship and were pivotal enough to inspire the French to recreate them and the Scottish to replicate them in Paisley, a town which even christened these shawls in the same name.

True Jamavar patterns are so finely done that the front and the back of a fabric are indistinguishable. When you own a Jamavar, you own a piece of history.

5. Sanghaner:  Sanganer, named after a village of Rajasthan in India, is a traditional print scattered on a white or pastel background with floral cones and sprays, also known as “boota-booties”. Legend has it that sanganeri water was known for its magical quality to bring out radiance from the natural dyed fabric, a major source of inspiration for the printing community.

The mystery embedded on each decorative pattern, on fine cotton and silk, once made love to every maiden’s desire. Each design in the collection has now been fabricated to unveil the true spirit of fashion camaraderie.

The fabrics primarily include lawn, but we have thrown in elements of chiffon’s and Georgette for interest as well. All collections reflect our belief in monarchy and the motifs, colors and embroideries gently whisper this unique language. Eminently wearable yet characteristic of a royal elegance, the collection promises to transcend borders and proclaims its affinity to a large audience across the world. Check out the complete Spring/Summer Lawn collection for 2013 by JJ Valaya