India's glam past gets a new look

Designers Shehla Khan and Pernia Qureshi are re-designing the past in their latest collections.
Manavi Kapur tells us how.

Ever seen an old film and wondered if you could dress up like the lead actor?

Designer and fashion expert Pernia Qureshi's new collection might just quench that thirst.

Qureshi's latest collection has been inspired by Amrapali, the film starring Vyjayanthimala.

"The clothes in the film are so exquisite and sexy yet Indian. I thought there could be a modern version of the costumes -- that's where the thought came from," she says.

The collection features draped silhouettes, dhoti pants, cut-outs, bustiers, dabka embroidery, which makes it modern while staying true to its Indian roots.

Comfort can often be at loggerheads with elaborate designs and for Qureshi, this was the real challenge.

"All outfits have been designed in a way to make them comfortable without compromising on the glamour quotient."

The designer's personal favourite from the collection is the body-hugging, shimmery pale gown that actor Sonam Kapoor wore on the ramp as the show-stopper.

The one-shoulder gown, with cut-outs at the waist, is bound to add that quintessential amount of elan to one's wardrobe.

The designs are exclusively available on www.perniaspopupshop.com and are priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000.

In the realm of other-worldly things, Shehla Khan's latest collection is called 'A Sky Full of Stars', inspired by elements of the sky, perfect to add a bit of sparkle to those gloomy, overcast days.

"The stars, rainbows and clouds in my interpretation of a dreamy sky come together in different forms, colours and shapes in surreal ways," says Khan.

The mainstay of her collection is the intricate embroidery that replicates this theme and the 'drama' lies in the details within each garment.

But keeping comfort in mind, the embellishment in her designs going with the 'easy to wear' concept.

From gowns and dresses to Indo-western silhouettes, light lehengas, saris, jumpsuits and blouse and skirt separates, this collection, according to Khan, aims to reach out to women "young and old, conservative or carefree."

For Khan, the lehenga that is hand-painted with a rainbow effect is one that she takes particular pride in, especially because of the craftsmanship that went into creating it.

This demi-couture collection is available at SHEHLAA studios in Mumbai and is priced at upwards of Rs 35,000. There are also separates and printed versions of the outfit to make it lighter on the pocket.