Mona and Pali, the formidable sister duo from Bengal,
who have placed Kolkata on the national map share
a home and a passion for designing.
After graduating Mona Lamba chose teaching as her
profession whilst Pali Sachdev, who has a legal background
underwent intensive training in a reputed fashion
institute in Singapore.
Soon enough they gave in to an inner desire, a natural
aesthetic urge and opted out of their respective professions
to pursue a dream with total dedication and determination.
They were amongst the first few designers to hit the
catwalk more than a decade ago.
They started from home in 1985 at the behest of their
friends, who had persuaded them to design their clothes,
which they executed competently and successfully.
In 1987, they flagged off their boutique 'Monapali'
in Kolkata making their dream a reality. After that,
there was no looking back as they moved on to become
stalwarts of the Indian Fashion industry retailing
through their outlets in New Delhi (Hauz Khas Village),
Ahmedabad and other prominent stores all over India.
Their clothes range from casuals to heavy formals.
Their clothes are an eclectic mix of design elements
most of which are inspirations from the ethnic cultural
roots of India. What makes the designs distinctly
Monapali is an unconventional mix of mediums. Be it
in textures, textiles, print or embroidery. They were
the ones who revived Kantha, Folk (Madhubani, Warli,
Patta Chitrai) tribal motifs and the Alpana from the
realms of oblivion and elevated it to the status of
haute couture culture. They combined block print with
spray/smudge print and hand paint, and cut through
layers of fabric to create a distinct pattern.
They have used multifarious embellishment technique
and worked in ceramic cord, terracotta, mouli, ropes,
wooden and shellac buttons, and gauge. It was in 1996,
they created the first collection in Shibori the Japanese
stitch dye technique capturing the element of ethereal
earthiness on slim lined Indian ensembles and saris.
For them each collection is a challenge, and they
work with whatever has triggered, intrigued and excited
their creativity.
They have held several shows throughout the country
and abroad. Along with other designers their shows
are a yearly event in Folio (Bangalore) and Glitterati
(Mumbai). Time and again they have been invited by
the Govt. of India and NIFT to participate in various
events all over the country. They represented India
in China in the 'Festival of India' in 1994 and the
Bridal summit- Asia Pacific in 1999, in New Delhi.
They have held as many solo shows in Mumbai, New Delhi,
Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
Quiet, reticent and self-effacing, they are considered
by fashion pundits as the 'Silent Contributors' to
the revival of simplicity on the catwalk. Rohit Khosla,
the father of the Indian Fashion Industry, had applauded
their work and remarked that they were one of the
most innovative and original designers of all times.
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