SRINAGAR, Aug 4: In Kashmir, a whole big generation has been shaped up by the two-decade-old conflict which started in the early nineties. The youth, who were either born during the uprising or were just kids then, have grown up with the dark impressions of violence on their hearts and minds; and that is showing now, although at times in a creative way. Sajid Dhar, 30, is one among them and also the few who went on to become fashion designers.
In his first collection, which was showcased in Bangalore recently, Dhar’s designs reflected the pain, suffering and urge for freedom among his people through his collection “Bondage”.
“I always thought it is the beauty of Kashmir and my passion for creativity that led me to fashion, though violence and tragedy also play an important role. Subconsciously, somewhere or the other, my work reflects it and it’s all about being bold and free,” Dhar said.
Dhar’s designer wear was a mix of soft fabric and metal work. From blues to shades of grey and browns to reds, whites and golds with hints of blush pink in silhouettes of freeflowing as well as fitted dresses, he had a message to give.
“It is an attempt to make people feel how freedom and bondage could go hand in hand,” he says.
The “freedom” bit of it was also a cue taken from the western singer, late Amy Winehouse, who died just over a year ago.
“Amy Winehouse was an amazing singer and a fantastic artist who lived life on her own terms. That’s why her music touched so many people, because it felt real! I`ve always loved people who live their life on their own terms, are true and it always reflects in what they do,” said the designer, who is a fan of her songs.
‘Art in the air’
The youth’s love for art came as naturally to him as did the thoughts of showcasing his homeland.
“Kashmir is a spiritual valley with art, crafts and textiles all over the place. Almost every one has a natural flair for creativity,” says the designer, based in Delhi now.
His father had wanted him to be a doctor, but his mother had told him to follow his heart, even if it was at a time when designer wear wasn’t big in the valley.
He says, “I don’t think there was a market for designer wear in Kashmir at that time, but now it is different. People want to wear designer wear and they want to feel good and happy again.”
“People have started appreciating fashion designing for what it is. Coming from a land which oozes talent and art everywhere, being creative was not seen as a potential but something that you have and you live with it,” Dhar says adding that Kashmir holds a pool of unexplored art and craft.
‘Hidden treasure’
“Kashmiri art and craft that we see is just a pinch of what Kashmir has to offer. There is so much stuff yet to be discovered. Manish Malhotra did a fantastic job by mixing Kashmiri style with western styles (in ‘Rockstar’),” he says.
“It worked and looked brilliant.”
“But there is a lot more potential that needs to be tapped in terms of talent and resources,” he said.
Apart from a graduation and postgraduation degree in fashion and international business from London, Dhar was exposed to “a different world” while working with reputed brands like Diesel Black Gold, Vivienne Westwood and Martin Maison Margiela.
It urged him to focus on “classic, sophisticated, confident yet quirky and exotic” creations, priced between Rs.11,000 and Rs.40,000.
(With inputs from IANS)
