Assam designer showcases ‘Hepaah.. The Desire’ collection at Lakme Fashion Week with Sangita Bijlani

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 13, 2024

Renowned designer Sanjukta Dutta captivated the audience at Lakme Fashion Week 2024 in Delhi with her stunning new collection titled “Hepaah..The Desire”, which beautifully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern elegance. The collection, inspired by the Assamese word “হেঁপাহ” (hẽpah), meaning desire, explores the theme of subtle yearning and aspiration.

The highlight of the show was when Bollywood actress Sangita Bijlani walked the runway as the showstopper, infusing the event with glamour and poise. The collection primarily featured handwoven Assamese silks, with beige as the dominant colour—symbolizing a refined and enduring form of desire. While beige is often seen as a neutral, calming colour, Dutta’s collection reimagines it to evoke a sense of quiet ambition and aspiration, adding depth to its understated elegance.

Dutta’s artistic portrayal of desire through this collection showcases her exceptional ability to merge tradition with contemporary fashion, making Hepaah..The Desire is a truly remarkable representation of Assamese heritage in the modern fashion world.

The collection’s palette, while rooted in the calm neutrality of beige, also incorporated bolder hues and intricate Assamese motifs, symbolizing a fusion of cultural pride and modern fashion sensibilities. Each garment reflected Dutta’s deep respect for Assamese traditions while embracing the sophistication of contemporary design.

Sanjukta’s collection celebrated the timeless artistry of handwoven Assamese silks, weaving together modern silhouettes with traditional craftsmanship to create pieces that seamlessly united the past and the present. Explaining her vision, Dutta said, “With Hepaah..The Desire, I wanted to express the beauty of subtle aspirations. This collection is a celebration of Assamese culture, combining the artistry of handwoven silks with modern design elements. It’s about desire that is calm, persistent, and deeply rooted, much like our traditions.”

The audience was mesmerized when Sangita Bijlani, the showstopper, graced the runway in one of Dutta’s signature creations. Bijlani’s elegance and poise perfectly encapsulated the collection’s essence, leaving a lasting impression and symbolizing the quiet strength of Hepaah, or desire.

Lakme Fashion Week 2024 proved to be the perfect platform for Dutta’s collection, further solidifying her reputation as a designer who bridges the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion, honouring Assam’s rich cultural heritage while appealing to modern style trends.