kam-ḵẖāb
‘Kam’ translates to ‘less’ and ‘khaab’ refers to a ‘nap’. Kamkhab is a collection of garments developed during two lockdowns, through the breaking and rebuilding of hope, resilience and the fluctuating strength of love. Sometimes, a khaat (embroidery frame) would be abandoned for months to remain, and be resumed later by a different person. Much like a garden after the process of seeding—soaking its sun and water. Each sapling takes its own sweet time to produce flowers. And the clothes, emerging out of a different verse of the same poem, each tell a different part of the same story.The film was shot in a century old haveli that was opened after over eight decades of being shut. The collection is showcased with a homecoming tableau featuring a cast of models returning to an old haveli and rediscovering its quaint charm. The garments envisage the love one pours into building their home. Taking months and years to paint their stories and reside amidst them so as to never forget.
Highlights
· Use of age-old techniques of hand embroidery, Rahul Mishra’s couture is weightless, despite the intricacy of details
· Crafted from fabrics like Chanderi silk, georgette, silk organza, crêpe and tissue along with Banarasi cutwork and signature embroidery, the lehngas, saris, dresses and menswear bloom with botanical motifs, ranging from multi-coloured flowers to pink flamingos, ruffles and 3D threadwork
· Crafts are woven into the narrative of love and resilience, and the film also features two artisans—Noorain Alam and Md Akbar—at work
