Bidisha Samantaray is the designer and founder of Lal Design Studio, Pondicherry. Her garments, be it the kimonos, dresses, skirts or the shirts, embody the free-floating and easy vibe of the coastal town. They are all made with soft bamboo fabric, a cruelty-free alternative to silk. Her designs feature stripes and geometrical patterns inspired from the different heights of buildings, architectural details and beautiful corners of the coastal town. The colour scheme is a distinct footprint of the signature yellow, green and white buildings of Pondy.
She has an in-house block printing unit, which consists of a master and a local lady assisting him. The tailoring is outsourced to an all-women unit based in the city.
Imagine walking down the promenade, the soft sea breeze caressing your skin. In that perfect moment, Lal Design is the best bet.
The coastal town of Pondicherry—its buildform, cornices and vivid colours—has been a constant inspiration for Bidisha Samantaray at Lal Design Studio.