Vastra Shobha: An exquisite exhibition of antique textiles

Even as a teenager, Shobha Deepak Singh loved textiles. “Even today, if I have an X amount of money to spend either on jewellery or saris, I would pick the latter,” she laughs. The Padmashri awardee, and the director of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, is many things — photographer, writer and classical dancer and has been instrumental in promoting performing arts in the country.

With over 30 years of experience in the fields of costume design, direction, choreography and management of arts, Shobha also runs an exclusive boutique ‘Vastra Shobha’ comprising heritage and exclusive saris, borders and stoles and veils. And twice every year, she enchants the capital with her exhibitions of these textiles — once in summers and the other in winters. This time, the Vastra Shobha exhibition is all set to take place from December 13-15 at Kendra Art Gallery, 1, Copernicus Marg.

QUALITY CONTROL

While she has been passionate about textiles since a young age, it was approximately 25 years ago that the septuagenarian held her very first exhibition, which was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit “It all started when my daughter, who was about to get married brought me some antique saris. I placed an order for 50 saris for her and the family, but since the weavers would make at least four of each sari, I held an exhibition to sell the rest of them. I realised then that there is a niche market for antique and heritage textiles,” says Shobha, who counts Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi among her clientele. Since then, the one thing she refuses to compromise on is quality. “And now, I have come to a point when I have probably the best collection of antique textiles in Delhi,” she adds.

Shobha acquires the textiles and fabrics from all over the country. “If they are in a good condition, I purchase them but even if they are not, I know how to restore them,” says the self-taught expert, who has a discerning eye for quality and authenticity.

Fabrics and materials in bright hues

HERITAGE ON DISPLAY

With exquisite Banarasi, to Gharchola, to Ikats, Patolas and heavy silks in vibrant colours and designs, Vastra Shobha promises to be a delight for those who share Shobha’s love for heritage. “Since a lot of women wear salwar kameez these days, there is also a collection of some of the best dupattas. There will also be a lovely collection of antique borders,” informs Shobha. The exhibition held during summers sees a lot of lighter fabrics like Chanderis, Organzas and Kota. The twice-a-year affair has become extremely popular with women in Delhi. “When I visit embassies and meet different people, I’m often asked about my collections and when I’m exhibiting next,” she tells us with a smile.