'Handloom is no longer a dying art'

Paridhi Jaipuria, 23, was about to shut shop, when she was selected among one of the six Lakme GenNext designers.

This is her story.

It was around the time her father passed away and she was almost contemplating to quit.

Not the one to be easily disappointed, the Jaipur-based designer bounced back and made an impressive debut at the fashion week.

Here she tells Rediff.com's Anita Aikara about designing and all things in between.

Background

I am from Jaipur. I come from an export garment background. My dad was a garment exporter. I grew up seeing him work with fabric with designs.

I have always been inclined working in the fashion industry. I joined his export house after I graduated. But I felt that the creative part was missing there. So I went on to do an internship with Tarun Tahiliani.

Then I thought I have my own aesthetics and I should explore more. So I started my own brand.

Inspiration

The collection is called Bunai, meaning woven by hand and it reflects the core of the collection. The outfits have been designed keeping in mind the intricacies of the patterns, visual appeal of the combination colours and textures.

That was my basic inspiration.

When I started the collection I wanted to do something with the hand; I felt a lot for the craftsman and artisans all around.

Working for artisans

Rajasthan is rich in culture. And hand-block printing is an addition to the collection showcased at Lakme.

I wanted to work with the artisans and make the collection more modern for the present-day women who have a progressive thinking.

Designs

I have played around with grey and other neutral shades because I think creativity and designing should come from within.

My collection is something that I would like to wear. If you see me tomorrow I would be wearing blue and white. These are the colours I personally like.

I have seen so many colours in Jaipur that I don't want to work with too many colours.

Making it to Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016

I tried last year too but after getting through the first two rounds I realised that I got through the wrong category. So I thought I would apply next year. This year I was going through a lot and I also thought of shutting down my brand. That's because I wanted to take care of my dad's export house.

On the last day before the entries shut I thought there is one more day so why not try. And it happened and I am running my brand now.

Personal tragedy

My parents have been very supportive. They sent me abroad to Singapore to study fashion designing.

My dad passed away two months back and the same day the news (of her Lakme selection) came out he passed away. But I had told him about the selection and he told me that if this is what you want to do, then go for it.

Trends this season

There is a move to handloom. People are not blindly buying high-end brands. Today they want their look to be individual and reflect their style.

That is why designers are now trying to create statement pieces that stays in someone's wardrobe and can be handed down too. Fashion is becoming more wearable now.

I want people to wear my designs and I want to see people wearing it. Neutral colours will be trending too and loud colours are out.

Handloom is no longer a dying art. I am working with weavers in Bikaner.

Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2016: Full Coverage

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