Mona and Pali, the sister duo from Bengal, have placed Kolkata on the national map, with their passion for designing. Though they initially went into different professions, they soon gave in to their inner desire, a natural aesthetic urge, and opted out of their respective careers to pursue their dream with total dedication and determination. They started from home in 1985 at the request 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. 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, and are an eclectic mix of design elements- most of which are inspirations from the ethnic cultural roots of India. An unconventional mix of mediums makes the designs distinctly Monapali – be it in textures, textiles, print or embroidery. They revived Kantha, Folk (Madhubani, Warli, Patta Chitrai) tribal motifs and the Alpana from the realms of obscurity and elevated it to the status of haute couture culture. For them each collection is a challenge, and they work with whatever has triggered, intrigued and excited their creativity.
They represented India in China in the ‘Festival of India’ in 1994 and the Bridal summit- Asia Pacific in 1999, in New Delhi. Quiet, reticent and self-effacing, they are considered by fashion pundits as the ‘Silent Contributors’ to the revival of simplicity on the catwalk.