KOLKATA COUPLE GROW UP THE LEARNING CURVE
Asmita Aggarwal (HT City)

When Lalit Jalan began designing he faced much opposition from his family but it was his wife’s unquestionable belief in his abilities that got him past the bickering. “I launched my label in ’93. As the market was saturated with women’s wear, I began designing for men. After all, men must enjoy the same privileges as the fairer sex,” reasons the St Xavier’s College, Kolkata alumnus.

Gearing up to unveil his Fall collection at the LIFW in a show on August 7 at 7 p.m., Lalit has given the sherwani a new avatar. “I’ve added asymmetrical cuts and tried out V and U shapes on the necklines to break free from tradition. But embroideries are my forte and Kolkata has some of the country’s best karigars. This is our USP,” says Lalit who is assisted by his wife Sunita who has designed a small collection in women’s wear. This has fully-embroidered wrap skirts in silk, textured georgette saris, black trousers and ghagras. “The focus is on three hues – off-white, black and beige. But you can mix and match, as we are selling these separately as well. My clothes are targetted at consumers 25 and above,” says the designer, participating in LIFW for the second time.

Retailing from Ensemble (Santushti) and Folio, the duo also has a boutique in Kolkata called Hunar. “Our diffusion line starts at Rs 3,000 and goes on to Rs 30,000. The accent is on kurtas and formal shirts in silk and chiffon. We have also worked with the international crushed look,” says Lalit.

For the duo, fashion is all about evolving and learning. “It’s a constant process. Clothes should make a statement for men and women,” concludes Lalit.