Lifestyle

Studio by Starmark is hosting Monapalis Homestyles- an exclusive collection of cushion covers and table mats

by IBNS 26 Jan 2017, 04:04 pm

Kolkata, Jan 23 (IBNS): Studio by Starmark is hosting Monapalis Homestyles, a collection of cushion covers and tablemats, at its outlet at Emami Market in Kolkata.

 The Monapali Homestyles collection boasts of robust coloured cushion covers designed by the renowned designer duo Mona and Pali, using anti-crease blended fabrics with a raw silk finish. The cushion covers and table mat sets have been embellished with rich embroidery using Bengal jute and metal enhancements. The exhibition will be on till January 31, 2016.

 The designers started from home in 1985 at the behest of their friends and in 1987, they flagged off their boutique ‘Monapali’ in Kolkata making their dream a reality. Thereafter, there was no looking back.

The designers offer a variety: a couture line, a diffusion range, pret collection and now homestyles. Their clothes are an eclectic mix of design elements inspired from the ethnic cultural roots of India. What makes the designs distinctly Monapali is an unconventional mix of mediums; be it textures, textiles, prints or embroidery.

They have used multifarious embellishment techniques in ceramic, cord, terracotta, mouli, ropes, wooden and shellac buttons and gauze. The designers have also experimented with different stitch dye techniques like Shibori, the Japanese dye technique, to create a range, which captured the element of ethereal earthiness on Indian ensembles and saris.

Monapali has held several shows across the country and abroad. They have also shared platforms with international designers like Russel Sage, Vassilios Kostetsos. As a compliment, Lakme India had launched a lipstick named after the designer duo called ‘Monapali’.

 In October 2002 they were the first designers from the subcontinent to participate in the Toronto Fashion Week. Having designed for the Indian film industry and several international dignitaries like H.E Adrianne Clarksons, Governor General of Canada,  the duo are a name to reckon with. The likes of Patrick Swayze, Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Tina Ambani, Shabana Azmi, Nikki Bedi, Tabu, Lady Swaraj Paul, Juhi Chawla, Kiran Kher, Aparna Sen and LN Mittal, to mention just a few have been on their client list.

Quiet, reticent and self-effacing, they are considered by fashion pundits as ‘Silent Contributors’ to the livening up of the Indian fashion scenario.