A collection made in a female-centred supply chain, designed to honour historical resistance movements, and intended to be worn by independent women.
Gundi Studios last evening celebrated outspoken womxn with its streetwear show at the festive/winter 2019 edition of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW).
Walking the runway for Gundi Studios and starting it with a power-packed performance was internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and rapper – Raja Kumari. This was first for Gundi and Raja Kumari debuting in a fashion show and was an impactful one. Proudly channeling her inner gundi, Rajakumari’s snazzy performance on her latest track SHOOK from her music album Blood Line, had the audience captivated. Designer Natasha created an exclusive half drape saree with full sleeve greenish blue velvet sports bra material top, paired with velvet shorts for the showstopper. The designer’s and Rap-star love for Gold could be seen from head to bottom, styled beautifully with Gold sneakers and a lot of South-Indian goddess inspired jewelry.
Every piece of Gundi clothing features its signature branding embroidered using traditional Zardozi techniques and is made in partnership with Indian suppliers that meaningfully impact the livelihood of desi women. Some of the designs that were featured at the LFW Showcase are:
1. Gundi Jacket: The brand co-opted the Bomber silhouette, originally used for Air Force uniforms and later an important symbol in the Punk movement, for the jackets because it provides both function (pockets!) and a spirit of rebellion.
2. Gundi Tshirt: Gundi is consciously employing time-intensive techniques for casual clothing like their t-shirt that gives more chances to support skilled artisans whose livelihoods are at risk due to diminishing demand for traditional crafts.
3. (She wears) the Pants: The cut of these pants is inspired by the salwar, trousers worn by women as part of traditional South-Asian dress ever since its inception by the Mughals in the 13th century.
4. Azaadi Dress aka Freedom Dress: This dress is made from khadi, as a homage to the Swadeshi movement of 1947, which promoted the hand-spinning and hand-weaving of cotton a means of self-determination in India.
5. Suffragette Sweatshirt: The green of this sweatshirt mirrors one of the brand colours of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), the radical movement that mounted the first organised campaign for women’s suffrage.
Natasha Sumant founded the brand Gundi in 2017 after garnering immense success as an art director and visual designer with international brands such as the likes of Prose, Sweden Unlimited, Pat Mcgrath amongst others.
Natasha explained during the show, “Gundi celebrates outspoken womxn, womxn breaking barriers, breaking the glass ceiling. That comes through in everything we do, from our silhouettes to the talent we work with to the way we structure our business.”
Raja Kumari added, “Growing up with a mix of American and Indian culture, I have always looked up to independent women around me and aspired to be one myself. I feel every woman has that Gundi inside her that is waiting to come out and stand up against all odds. Through my songwriting and rapping career and the pieces from Gundi Studios, I have been able to connect my inner Gundi with myself. The concept behind each Gundi piece is so thoughtful and I am super proud to have been a part of their collection that embodies the spirit of rebellion and one that is inspired by the various movements involving powerful women.”