Arts
Indian designers’ flair and classic allure at Design Collective
The Design Collective, started by three friends Binu Wickramasinghe, Shahili Gomes and Tharushi Mendis is a store that promotes the creations of local designers as well as designers from South East Asia. Encouraging group collaboration and female leadership in fashion, the retail space boasts an interactive shared work area, in which designers and customers engage and exchange ideas.
Binu, Shahili and Tharushi at the launch last week. Pix by M.D. Nissanka
A chance meeting with renowned Indian designers Gauri and Nainika Karan saw Shahili Gomes persuading them to launch an exclusive capsule collection at the Design Collective.
Gauri and Nainika Karan with their elegant evening wear have taken the fashion world by storm, their designs worn by both Bollywood and Hollywood A-listers like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, SIA and Carrie Underwood. Their designs have been showcased on the red carpet at the Golden Globes, People’s Choice Awards, Filmfare Awards and more.
Their label screams glamour, flair and classic allure. “People love the fact that they can get high-end wear in terms of western wear that it is very elegant,lady-like and formal. It’s all about occasion wear. Our clothes are simple yet elegant, and they always have that hint of drama, always making a statement. The bottom line is that our clothes are ultra feminine and women feel special in our clothes,”’ says Nainika when asked what their unique selling point was.
Gauri with her classic and somewhat old world style opts for a more clean, simple refined look while Nainika loves to experiment with all kind of styles- be it boho chic, classic glamour or edgy street style always inspired by strong women with a natural, unaffected and innate sense of style, who are comfortable in their own skin. Audrey Hepburn continues to be their biggest inspiration in fashion- growing up and even now. Cate Blanchett has always stood out for them with her grace, elegance and understated style.
One of the most important style tips Gauri and Nainika follow is ‘Don’t overdo your look with everything. It’s all about balance’.
Here are extracts from their email interview:
- What do you think are the biggest challenges for new designers starting out today?
Being a designer is becoming more and more challenging today, be it for established names or for those starting out. The world is shrinking thanks to social media so when you’re designing you’re putting yourself on an international platform and competing with designers worldwide, not just from your city or country. Fashion is becoming so fast paced, and ever changing- so to be able to set yourself apart from designers globally and offer something new and unique, to match global quality standards, to always outdo yourself.These are some of the challenges faced by all designers.
- What aspects of the fashion industry would you like to change?
We can’t say. We really enjoy being a part of industry and love it for being so fast paced, ever evolving and inspiring. I suppose copyright infringement laws in India could be more strict. Whether it’s high street brands, local boutiques or upcoming designers, designer styles being widely copied becomes very detrimental for the designer.
- What makes the creations of Gauri and Nainika stand out from other fashion designers?
We would like to say that every piece we make, no matter how simple, makes the wearer feel special and when you step into a Gauri & Nainika dress, you’re stepping into the role of a movie star who’s ultra chic, glamorous and revels in her femininity.
- Who are some of your favourite designers?
There are so many. Internationally Christian Dior from the 1950s has been an all time favourite and big inspiration. Amongst Indian designers we love Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi.
- What can we expect from Gauri and Nainika in the near future?
We hope to make a stronger presence in the global market. We’re currently working on our fall-winter 2019 collection. We’re also launching our bridal couture collection soon with an entire new floor at our flagship store dedicated just to bespoke bridal couture.
The Gauri and Nainika collection is available exclusively at the Design Collective, 28 Stratford Ave, Colombo 6.