From Kutch to London

Mumbai Guide, Victoria's Secret fashion show, lingerie brand, 'Angels', Fashion

The annual Victoria's Secret fashion show of the lingerie brand has always been popular for its models known as ‘Angels', as they sport the latest collection paired with eclectic accessories and over-the-top wings.

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An interesting sight this season was Australian model Shanina Shaik's outfit that included a jacket inspired by the mirrorwork and embroideries from Kutch, complete with pompoms and ethnic silver jewellery. What inspired the designers to utilise this thread embroidery remains a mystery.

Judy Frater, who has long-been working with the artisans of Kutch, says, "This is someone's ‘Idea of Kutch embroidery'. It is almost certainly machine embroidery with readymade mirrors that you just stitch on. The colours are not traditional and the motifs are a mish-mash of traditional styles.

Nonetheless, we can see that it is inspired by Kutchi embroidery."

The motifs of Kutchi embroidery had an international outing earlier when celebrated footwear designer Christian Louboutin created colourful embroidered heels with his famous red soles.