Who would have thought the fashion scene in Kolkata would turn out to be as diverse as the city itself? So, if your wardrobe needs a quirk update, check out these new designers who are pushing the envelope and bringing about some much-needed change to the city’s style.
Hike Up Your Style Quotient: 6 Designers Who Are Changing The Way Kolkata Dresses
Kallol Datta
Hailed as the king of ethno-grunge, Kallol Datta’s quirky prints, geometric patterns, refreshingly shapeless silhouettes and bold textures makes his outfits stand out both on the ramp and the racks. Always the one to defy norms, he has changed the way you & I view fashion. Sometimes the waist is not thinner than the shoulders. Sometimes he uses cotton and silk, often reclaimed from waste or adds a layer of plastic film to the fabric. While, at the core, gender forms his design philosophy but he works with many other important issues that plague the Indian society, body shaming for instance. Prices on request.
Abhishek Dutta
Looking for unusual silhouettes like trapeze cuts and draped jackets? Look no further than Abhishek Dutta’s smart, futuristic yet wearable designs. This Wigan and Leigh alumni believes in storytelling through design, and specialises in creating edgy, minimalist silhouettes. We love the new convertible autumn-winter collection where PPE jackets convert into fanny packs and the masks for women convert into a pouch for your knick-knacks!
Amalraj Sengupta
We understand the need for a little experimental touch in everyone’s wardrobe, which is why we have all you folks covered. Futuristic and avant-garde, Amalraj Sengupta knows how to experiment with structures and fabrics, with meticulous artistic finish. Take a look at his award-winning collections and splurge on his artisanal brilliance to give your wardrobe an avant-garde twist. Prices on request.
Rimi Nayak
If you are looking for an infusion of Bengali culture and modern fashion, get introduced to internationally-acclaimed designer Rimi Nayak. What sets her apart from most other designers is her ingenious use of Bengali motifs. We completely dig her luxurious drapes and one-of-a-kind fabric textures, so if you like your ‘Bangaliana’ edgy and contemporary, Nayak’s style is the perfect fit. Prices range from INR 9,000 to INR 24,000.
Paromita Banerjee
Inspired by regional styles and native art, Paromita Banerjee aims to pay homage to local artisans by emulating their raw handcrafted styles in her drapes and textiles. This NID alumni is our first choice when it comes to indigenous fashion rich in regional narratives and culture. Make space in your wardrobe for her critically-acclaimed collections. The sarees range from INR 6,000 to INR 8,000, while her other pieces range from INR 7,000 to INR 16,000.
BOBO by Ayushman Mitra
A Conde Nast College degree and job prospects in Europe failed to lure him into settling abroad. Instead Ayushman Mitra gave in to his love for Kolkata and started BOBO. We just love how BOBO breaks away from mundane fashion norms, with its surreal designs, vibrant colours, unconventional cuts and recurring floral motifs – so we recommend it to anyone looking to add a little psychedelia in their taste! What more, Mitra hasn’t confined himself to just apparels, but has also ventured into furniture, sculpture, paintings and accessories! We say you head over to his store on Chowringhee Road right now and see for yourself what we are talking about. Prices start from INR 3,000 and vary across collections.
