By Radhika Bhirani, IANS,
New Delhi : After making a mark in India and internationally with her exquisite creations – mostly western silhouettes with an ethnic appeal – fashion designer Niki Mahajan is foraying back into the domestic fashion scene with a signature Indian collection after almost five years.
“My new line is very simple. It is basically for brides and offers a range of outfits for the five days around the wedding and for the honeymoon days,” Mahajan told IANS.
With more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry, Mahajan has tremendous expertise in trousseaus, occasion-wear and prêt. Her forte lies in the textures and materials that she uses to churn out exclusive designs.
For her new collection, she has used short silk to offer an effective blend of colours.
“I wanted to make a re-entry with something totally different that no one is doing. With my international clients, I had totally gone into westerns. Now I am doing Indian wear but I have only improvised the Indianness in my clothes not modernised them. I don’t have any Victorian gowns in my collection,” she said.
Mahajan has a wide range of lehengas, suits, saris and shararas for this collection, which she will be exhibiting at the 10th Bridal Asia to be held here in October.
“My collection is simple with sequins. It is inspired by the way I see the women of today. They are so busy with their work that they hardly have any time to think about minor details in their wedding dress. So I have kept the clothes simple yet trendy.
“If there is work, it is uncluttered. The embellishments are less and I have used zardozi. The blouses are sexy and contemporary and available in all styles – backless, full sleeves, corsets and others,” said Mahajan.
Regarding the use of colours in her bridal collection, Mahajan, a recipient of the Bharat Yuv Ratna award for excellence in promoting the production of unique fabrics by the Ministry of Textiles, said she has made a conscious effort to keep away from the traditional Indian bridal wear colours like Rani pink, red and orange.
“I have used salmon pink, rust, green and I have cut the colours – as in blended two colours, say yellow and green, black and red for a double shaded effect. You won’t find light shades in my collection as Indians look better in warmer shades,” Mahajan explained.
Her new collection will be made available at her exclusive stores across the world from December onwards and she will have only around 60 outfits on display at each store.