The Score Magazine - Archive April 2009 issue! | Page 48

G
Weaving
Dreams Daily
Shruthi S
with inputs from Shwetha
R
lazed candy pink totes, metallic red clutches with
golden interlacing and vibrant crocheted stilettos.
Leather has arrived in India and how!
More vintage than silk, plusher than jute and
rarer than rexine, leather is the quintessential fabric of fash-
ion. It also boasts of something almost exclusive to it in the
‘material’ world: a rich history. Its versatility has unfailingly
kept it in the spotlight with retro croc prints, classic tans,
flashy wets and the comfy suede. But although leather has
gone through several makeovers in the past, it is at present
undergoing its biggest metamorphoses yet. Stirring up the
storm in India is brand Calonge.
Popularly acclaimed to be the first name and the last word
in hand-woven leather accessories, Calonge adds character
to the timeless material. Designed by Spanish, Italian and
French designers and woven by deft Indian fingers, Calonge
products are remarkable works of craftsmanship. Their line
of bags, belts and accessories are bold and beg to differ. A
handful of other international brands like Hugo Boss, Prada,
Hermes, Versace and particularly the Italian based, Gucci
owned Bottega Veneta, indulge in similar leather weaving
techniques.
Calonge has made its presence felt in world fashion circles
by taking to the runway with its masterpieces. One of the
most anticipated and talked about shows in the leather in-
dustry is the Indian-International Leather Fair (ILF). Calonge
has been a featured sponsor of the event for many years and
went one step ahead this season by walking the ramp. Put-
ting its best foot forward, its bags and coordinated shoes in
myriad shades, styles and textures, stood in stark contrast to
the beige cocktail dresses worn by the models. Belts embel-
lished with stones and sequins added the final touch with a
flourish. After the grand finale, the audience was left gasp-