Urban Army: The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Modernity

A Contemporary Twist on the Classic Kurta and Dupatta

The Urban Army collection draws its inspiration from the kurta, a loose upper garment worn by both men and women in the Indian subcontinent, and the dupatta, a rectangular piece of fabric draped over the shoulder. Garg's aim was to create a garment that captures the essence of these traditional garments while giving them a modern twist and global appeal.

The kurta dresses in the Urban Army collection are made by draping different cut panels of crepe and flat chiffon dupattas. The panels cover the upper part of the body, with the shoulders fitted and the rest of the panels hanging loosely. The shoulder area is stitched, and any open sides of the flowing panels are overlapped and sewn together to complete the garment. This unique draping technique ensures that each dress is one-of-a-kind, with no two dresses looking the same.

What sets the Urban Army collection apart is its focus on the global urban women who are working towards positive change in their societies. Garg refers to them as the "silent soldiers" who fight against injustice and non-progressive views. The collection embodies their spirit and provides them with a wardrobe staple that is both stylish and comfortable.

The Urban Army dresses are made from lightweight fabrics, making them suitable for any body type. They can be worn over a bodysuit inner, providing ease of wear and versatility. The collection offers a range of styles, from color blocking to single tones, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Garg's attention to detail is evident in the realization of each garment. The trapeze cut panels of crepe and flat silk chiffon are finished with a woven stiff net border at the hem, giving a bounce effect to each drape. The dresses are sewn using a single needle flat stitch machine, ensuring a high-quality finish.

The Urban Army collection is not only unique in its design but also in its production. The garments are made using natural organic dyes and core spun polyester yarn. Each dress requires approximately 4.5 meters of crepe fabric and 1.5 meters of net fabric. The entire process, from fabric procurement to finishing, takes around 20 days.

Since its launch, the Urban Army collection has received accolades for its innovative design and practicality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes designs that meet professional and industrial requirements while incorporating industry best practices and technical characteristics.

The Urban Army collection is a testament to Megha Garg's creativity and ability to blend tradition with modernity. With its unique draping technique, versatile designs, and global appeal, it is a must-have for the fashion-forward urban women of today.