Text by Pearl Shah

Anupama Dayal

Eastern influences on international ramps

For most women, the very notion of a traditional yet contemporary look would evoke images of khadi kurtas and the more recent fad, Kolhapuri chappals. But there’s hope yet, with Anupama Dayal, who launched her line of prêt separates in a tasteful setting at Mélange in Mumbai.

Crushed skirts and quilted jackets crafted alongside silk tunics translate into something so feminine and wearable, that one is unable to resist their artistic sophistication. Dayal’s designing took shape through an inevitable osmosis, as she grew up learning painting and needlecraft techniques from her mother, who incidentally, is a textile designer.

Colour, too, is key, with a palette of intense saturated shades that lend her collections a burst of energy and vitality. She is going places with orders from South America and the fashion capital, Paris, not to forget her very important buyer, former President of America, Bill Clinton, who bought a few skirts and had Delhi abuzz.

Nikasha Tawadey

Inspirations from the Indian ethos

Raveena Tandon, Sunita Menon, Adhuna Akhtar and Sandhya Mridul are individuals you would not expect to have anything in common with when it comes to personal style. But they all happen to own a piece of Nikasha Tawadey’s printed creations, the designer whose style would appeal to all.

“Bohemian and vintage with a dash of rock star glam” is how fashion designer Tawadey describes her eclectic new collection for Fall Winter 2005. Relaxed silhouettes are brought alive with an innovative amalgamation of paisley prints, tie-dye and striped patterns. Belted tunics, blouses with romantic pleated sleeves, flared skirts in ethnic lehariya stripes, vintage shrugs and cute camisoles are all part of this beatnik fantasy. “I travelled across India in trains and was amazed to see such vibrant colours splashing across my eyes as I discovered my country."

She is fast gaining popularity, not just as a designer but also as a stylist for commercials and will soon be dressing actress Neha Dhupia in an upcoming Bollywood film.

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