Block prints and the warm summer temperature go hand in hand; a special bond that is hard to put into words. Maybe it's the vivacious motifs, resembling the first bloom of the previous season, or just the simplicity of the designs that attract the eye. Whatever it may be, reality stands that Bengali girls have a strong affinity for blocks as everyday wear.
If you have never understood what the fuss was all about, try block prints on khadi. That too, on a bright and clear Baishakhi afternoon, and you will immediately realise the grounds.
And Warah, a quaint boutique shop in the heart of the city, has boundless options.
From frock style kurtis to regal angrakhas, you name a style — our best bet is that Warah will have it in store for you!
There is a common allegation about block prints; that the colours fade with time, creating a worn-out look, which some may find attractive, but to others, it is another sob story.
However, Warah's blocks are different; they endure through all types of weather.
Rumana Chowdhury, owner and head designer of the boutique house, assured of their quality, saying, "The colours used for our blocks are of the highest quality, and we also use khadi material as foundation fabric. And everybody who has worn khadi at least once in their lifetime knows how comfortable and long-lasting it can be."
Once you are inside the store, you get to see many racks filled with blocks in all sizes and shapes. But one thing is surely common in the quaint outlet — the well-regarded khadi used as base material for most designs.
Golden shimmer reflecting off of beige kameezs, unique cuts, high collars and crochet laces — that is what Warah is mostly about. Our assumption is not wrong, as the designer agreed with us.
"Everyone is able to differentiate between Warah's blocks and others. Our signature is beige khadi, crochet laces and lots of golden sheen.
"When people generalised blocks as office wear or casual wear, we proved to the world that blocks could also be haute couture. With unique cuts, special stitching and gorgeous motifs, one can wear our collection to any high-end parties including a flamboyant wedding," said Chowdhury.
But does Warah only make blocks?
We ventured a little bit more to find gorgeous hand painted saris on fine Muslin.
"I am a passionate artist, seeking beauty in all things around me. With blocks, I tried to reach the highest limit of my styling efforts and it's the same with Muslins. There are only two materials that I work with — khadi and Muslin, and as the latter is lightweight, my personal belief is that it looks best as a sari.
"I try portraying the beauty of nature onto my saris; hence the subject-matter is mostly hand painted florals," said the designer.
A few rounds around the collection and we are officially fans. Warah Boutique offers an ambience that is soothing to sore eyes. Its spring-summer collection of blocks and beautiful Muslins were definitely a respite, from all the unsightliness around.
By Fashion Police
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Models: Efa, Taspia
Wardrobe: Warah
Make-up: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon
Location: Chef's Table Courtside
