Anavila holds ‘Payanam’ fashion show in Tamil Nadu

Anavila Misra’s luxury clothing brand Anavila held a runway show for new collection ‘Payanam’ in Chettinad, Tamil Nadu as part of the city’s Heritage and Cultural Festival. The designer presented a range of iridescent sarees and fusion wear for men and women.

Anavila turned one of Chettinad’s historic buildings into a runway to present handloom weaves in a mix of traditional and experimental silhouettes, the brand announced in a press release. Models were adorned with jewellery by Chettinad-based jeweller Meenu Subbiah as the presentation showcased textiles including metallic zari and linen woven with a zari weft.
 
Meaning ‘journey’ in the Tamil language, ‘Payanam’ took its inspiration from heritage of Chettinad, Tamil Nadu and the lives of its well-traveled locals. Designed to evoke feelings of grandeur and nostalgia, the clothing collection referenced mythological characters and local architecture. The collection was based around a quote from the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho which reads, “everyday is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”
 
The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival ran from September 27 to 30 in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. The festival is designed to celebrate and promote the area’s art, culture, and heritage, according to its Instagram page.
 
Anavila Misra launched her eponymous brand in 2012 and the label is known for its use of traditional Indian textiles. Anavila retails from its direct to customer e-commerce store, flagship stores in Gurugram and Mumbai, and with multi-brand retailers.