The rains may have given some respite to the people in Kolkata a few days ago but the heat and humidity has not lessened. Keeping this in mind, designer Dalia B Mitra’s summer collection is perfect to beat the heat and humidity and yet look fashionable. The Kolkata Mail’s correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the designer who spoke at length about her new collection. Excerpts..

What has Dashobhuja come up for the patrons to beat the heat?

Dalia B Mitra- In our four years journey, we have always focused on natural fabrics like cotton. We have light weight saris in pastel and light shades. This makes it easy for one to wear them during the summer season. I avoid doing the elaborate designs on the saris to keep them light. Instead I do simple designs like Gujarati stitches and others to give the saris a twist.

There is also a “couple dress” available which consists of a sari and a matching Punjabi for the male patrons. The Punjabis are made in such a way that people will ask you the place from where you have bought it. It is made from cotton and the designs are extremely eye catching.

What kind of designs is available in the summer collection?

Dalia B Mitra- Mono colours are a style of mine. Most of my saris are in mono-colours. I also use designs like Paan, Buti and others. My emphasis is on blouse. The blouse may be printed or heavily embroidered. There is also a summer wedding collection for the patrons. Cotton Benarasi Collection made by the weavers of Benarasi is a great thing to wear during the summer weddings.

Chiffon is also made at Dashobhuja. Block prints on chiffon is also common. Bright colours are used in these saris. The saris are trendy and any youngster can wear it.

If you for instance wear a yellow sari with a yellow blouse to office, your office look is complete. Now you have a party in the evening. Just change the blouse with a heavily embroidered blouse and wear some junk jewellery. Your look is complete for the party. You do not need to go back home and get yourself decked up.

Is customization available?

Dalia B Mitra- Yes, customization is available. We have orders from customers for marriage ceremonies. Now when you send saris to your in-laws place, the age group we have found ranges from 10 to 80. We design the saris accordingly so that it suits the tastes of all age groups of women. We have a Machher Bie collection which can be worn by all age groups. The older women can opt for the cream coloured saris while the bride can opt for red or orange shades.

What is the price range of the summer collection saris?

Dalia B Mitra- The price of the saris starts from Rs 900 onward.