India’s leading fashion designer and stylist, Shehla Khan and Pernia Qureshi respectively, share with ANANYA BORGOHAIN some innovative tips on staying trendy this season
The creations of Pernia Qureshi, one of India’s leading stylists and fashion entrepreneurs, represent the modern Indian young woman’s grace and flamboyance. Her fashion website — Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop — showcases the works of India’s top designers, including Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish Malhotra, JJ Valaya, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliani, Satya Paul, Masaba Gupta, and many more.
The website leads the style-savvy customer to an extraordinary range of the trendiest looks of the season from Indian labels. Pernia’s signature festive collection is Amrapali, for which actress Sonam Kapoor was the showstopper recently.
Pernia says, “The Amrapali collection is based on the 1960s’ era in which the fashion revolved around everything sexy and exquisite. We have a lot of draped silhouettes, dhoti pants, cut-outs, bustiers, and dabka embroidery. So while it is inspired by India, it is also very modern.”
Given her glorious list of clients, one may wonder if they ever face major creative clashes. She replies, “The most important aspect about handling clients is keeping communications open. The people involved need to talk about the issue and discuss their feelings about any creative clash, and that’s our mantra.”
What makes Pernia’s collection unique is that it is inspired by the yesteryear film of the same name starring Vyjayanthimala as the royal courtesan in the ancient empire of Magadha. She adds, “The clothes in the film are so exquisite and sexy yet Indian; I thought every frame was a painting. The music and the choreography in the film have also always inspired me. I thought there could be a modern version of the costumes —that’s where the thought came from.”
Shehla Khan, on the other hand, is designer to some of the leading Hindi film actresses such as Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Sonam Kapoor, and recently launched her spring collection. It entails short dresses, jump suits, jackets and evening gowns with intricate embroidery, digital printing and other special techniques. The line has been created with the help of the Indian craftsmanship and using the finest textiles.
Sensuous gowns as well short dresses grace the collection enriching it with perfectionism and rejuvenating modernity. The range displays an array of dynamic colours and varying styles apt for both day wear and evenings out. She says, “It’s called ‘A Sky full of Stars’, which is basically my version of how I visualise the sky. It’s a dreamy, surreal interpretation of elements of the sky: Stars, rainbows, clouds. I have tried to depict all these elements in my embroidery techniques in a somewhat different approach, such as clouds of different colours, a rainbow with clusters of stars or even tiny flowers shown as starbursts.”
About what is crucial for her while designing, she says, “Sticking to what I believe in first and foremost, the fabric quality, finish and fit must excel in quality, and lastly being original with my ideas. Of course, we all do take inspiration from various other designers but I believe that everyone has their own identity and it’s unnecessary to try and imitate that.” Probably that is why, Shehla says she also does not feel pressurised having to deal with her superstar clients. Far from being trapped in creative confrontation and tantrums among the stars, Shehla chooses to invest in their individual charms and strengths.
She explains, “They all have a sound knowledge of fashion. For example, Sonam can add her own insights to the outfit. Kareena is also a pleasure to work with because she is so beautiful that just anything looks like it’s made of gold on her. That’s the same with Katrina. Again, Karishma can make the most plain outfit look ultra chic.”
When it comes to tips for readers, both Pernia and Shehla have constructive fashion tips to share. Pernia believes, “Styling is an expression of a person’s vision and varies from person to person. It portrays a sense of individuality. I think a sari can never go out of style. But when it comes to crocs, I detest them and will never try them on!”
Shehla says, “My favourite fashion statement is always own what you wear and if you can’t own it, then don’t wear it. This is how faux pas take place when fashion is forced on someone. Spring advice is to go as easy as you can. less is more, bare your shoulders with a pretty blouse or a flowy dress. Rip your jeans as much as possible or cut them off into shorts and make it look chic with a pretty blouse and heels. If you can afford to show it, then flaunt it!”
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