How Buddhism leaves an impression on every creation by designer Sonam Dubal!

Karan Bhardwaj

March 25, 2018
3 min read
AIFW FDCI Sonam Dubal

Sonam Dubal, who staged a grand comeback at FDCI’s Amazon India Fashion Week, is brimming with tall plans. In an exclusive conversation with Born of Web‘s Karan Bhardwaj, he talks about his upbringing, inseparable essence of Buddhism in his creations and what lies ahead for his 16-year-old brand Sanskar. His forthcoming ‘meditation line’ is definitely worth waiting!

KNOW MORE ABOUT SONAM DUBAL!

Sonam Dubal graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi, in 1990. He launched his signature line Sanskar in 1999. His label is a vanguard experiment in revitalising and redefining traditional Indian silhouettes and textiles. His 2003 debut runway collection combined Eri (Ahimsa) silk from Assam and Khadi cotton handloom weaves, thus catching the eye of L’eclaireur, Paris.

Sanskar is a 16-year odyssey of design interpretation inspired by Dubal’s Buddhist heritage, Asian motifs and symbols and cultural studies. Hand designed block-print remnants are recombined in vibrant silk patchwork stripes for zero waste. Recycled vintage silk saris in brocade and Ikat mix with velvet, silk and handloom cotton, Khadi and wool in textural play. Dubal’s collections seek to reconcile modern influences and traditional creativity through storytelling in his embroidered jackets, wraps, coats and hand painted capes.

Eclectic women across various walks of life have always inspired Dubal and have played an important role in his work. His label Sanskar, has been endorsed by many such women, including noted personalities such as Leslie Cockburn, Rania Hanano, Deepa Mehta, Barkha Dutt, Madhu Trehan, Tabu, Sonam Kapoor, Mithu Sen. Hollywood actress Isabella Rossellini took to wearing his coats and embroidered jackets for her TV series, Shut eye, in 2017. Sophie Trudeau has also been spotted in Sonam Dubal’s clothes on her travels to India.

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