Color Palette & Pantone References
-
Top (Blouse):
- Pantone 17-5641 TPX – Emerald
- Description: A jewel-toned, vibrant emerald green that signifies depth, opulence, and regality beautifully highlighting the silk’s natural sheen and the intricacy of embroidery.
-
Skirt:
- Pantone 14-1116 TPX – Wheat
- Description: A warm, sunlit beige with a golden undertone, evoking the raw, textured feel of burlap, linen, or unbleached silk grounding the ensemble with rustic elegance.
Silhouette Overview
-
Top: Cowl Neck with Juliet Sleeves & Buttoned Cuffs
Inspired by the romantic aristocratic fashion of 17th-century Italy, the top features a draped cowl neckline, evoking classical Greco-Roman softness. Juliet sleeves with puffed shoulders tapering into long, fitted forearms and buttoned cuffs add regal charm, echoing Renaissance court attire with a modern polish. -
Bottom: Modest Mini Skirt with Box Pleats
This military-inspired mini skirt features structured box pleats that offer both volume and movement. The “modest” length (just above the knee) provides a balance between femininity and power, giving the ensemble a youthful yet tailored feel. It channels vintage utilitarian aesthetics while retaining couture finish.
Textiles & Craftsmanship
-
Blouse Fabric: Mysore Silk
Woven in Karnataka and introduced under the Wadiyar dynasty in the early 20th century, Mysore silk is prized for its smooth texture, rich natural sheen, and luxurious purity. The emerald green base amplifies its vibrance, making it the perfect canvas for surface embellishment.
-
Embroidery (Top): Zardozi Embroidery
A legacy of the Mughal era, Zardozi embroidery features metallic threads of gold and silver, often enriched with pearls, sequins, beads, and colored stones. Applied using a fine hooked needle, this technique brings a three-dimensional, ceremonial elegance to the blouse elevating it from classic to heirloom.
-
Skirt Fabric: Merino Wool & Tussar Silk Blend
Handwoven by tribal and rural artisans of Odisha, this innovative textile blends Merino wool warp with Tussar silk weft, resulting in a coarse, matte, and slubbed surface with a subtle sheen. The texture echoes military textiles, while the luxurious hand-feel and golden-beige base offer a tactile and visual counterpoint to the smooth Mysore silk top.
Design Narrative
This ensemble speaks to the duality of femininity and strength, blending:
- Renaissance elegance with a modern silhouette
- Mysore silk’s glossy refinement with rustic, matte Orissan blends
- The ornate ceremonial artistry of Zardozi with the clean architectural pleats of military dress
The emerald blouse draws the eye, while the wheat-colored skirt provides a soft visual anchor resulting in a look that is both regal and wearable, structured and sensual.
Ideal Contexts
Suitable for:
- Heritage couture runway collections
- High-fashion editorial storytelling
- Museum exhibitions on Indo-European fashion dialogues
- Evening events, heritage festivals, or couture art shows