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Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

There are but a few names in the fashion world that excite us simply because of the way they present hand-woven Indian textiles. Vaishali Shadangule, especially, has had us drooling over her creations.

Her latest appearance on the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2013 ramp is no different.

Staying true to her trademark style of blending contemporary designs with Indian textiles, Vashali transforms the traditional attire of Assamese women — the Mekhla Chadar — into glamorous red carpet ensembles.

Also see: Fashion: Chanderi weaves get a trendy twist

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

The Mekhla Chadar is a concert of three pieces of cloth — the mekhla is like a skirt, the chadar is a piece of cloth draped over the shoulder like a sari, and a blouse.

Inspired by Assam in every facet of this collection, Vaishali works with the muga silk, which is unique to the state, for the outfits.

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

Vaishali has been committed to creating contemporary designs from Indian hand-woven textiles.

In working on this collection she has once again blended two of her passions — to highlight the rich culture and heritage of Indian textiles and also help the weavers behind it. She worked with 400 female weavers across Assam for this.

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

Vaishali says, "I was introduced to the magic of muga silk and its design during my visit to Assam last year. In my collection, I have tried to incorporate elements of the mekhla that symbolizes the complex lanes and architectural design of the villages of the state."

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

The designer says, "With the beautiful drapes and mix of fine constructions I hope to bring out the beauty of the mekhla by retaining its original elements."

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

Vaishali adds, "I have also contemporized it with fine cut work and surface texturing of wool and metallic thread."

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

The muga silk also meets other fabrics in Vaishali's Autum/Winter 2013 collection.

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

For this collection, Vaishali has experimented with bold hues of gold, orange, pink, fluorescent green and varied shades of blue.

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

She has complimented it with hand embroidery, which has subtle and understated elegance.

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

Vaishali says, "While working on the color palette of this collection, I was truly motivated by the 400 female weavers who supported me and brought alive my creativity."

Images: The magic of muga silk, rediscovered

Vaishali Shadangule, who made her debut at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2011, has come a long way today from the girl who ran away from home — a small town in Madhya Pradesh — to Mumbai to pursue her dreams of being a designer.

Her designs continue to make us drool and her story continues to inspire.