A BLEND OF MISMATCHED COLOURS
Asmita Aggarwal (HT City)

Aparna Jagdhari may be just two years old in fashion designing but she’s perfected the right look for her trendy, western wear label. The young designer from NIFT is now gearing up to showcase her Autumn 2002 collection at IFW at Taj Palace later this evening.

Says the DPS (R K Puram) product: “Fashion school is essential for everyone because it teaches you the basics of pattern cutting. Maybe those who don’t do western wear can still design without it, but for me it was a great learning experience. Designing is a technical thing. It has nothing to do with talent. Western wear is my forte and I’ve never thought of dabbling with zardozi or mokaish in Indian wear.”

Aparna has designed theatre costumes several times in the last two years, her latest venture being Meera Ali’s Fakir of Benares where she did about 200 costumes. “Theatre is dramatic, so there’s a lot you can actually do there, unlike my ready-to-wear line, which is simple but colourful,” says Aparna, whose pret line will be priced between a reasonable Rs 600 to Rs 4,500.

Coming from Rajasthan, Aparna’s focus remains fusing solid Indian colours such as firozi, rani pink and jamni. “I don’t use the same hue in different shades. Instead, mismatched colours are used to create a smocked blouse. As the look is minimalist, I don’t believe an overdose of embellishments is counted out,” says Aparna.

So, beads are included for detailing, there is a bit of embroidery only on the neck and hemlines as well as seams rather than create motifs. “I make gathers before cutting the outfit, so it textures the garment,” says Aparna who retails from Ogaan (in Santushti) and Ensemble (in Mumbai).

Her collection includes tiered skirts with three layers of contrasting colours and fabrics such as cotton, voile and some silk.

Though LIFW has its disadvantages, for Aparna it has meant wide exposure and a chance to share the platform with some of the best in the trade.

“Last year in Mumbai I had no infrastructure to execute the orders, but this time I’m well-prepared,” concludes Aparna. And going by the concepts and creations that Aparna has in mind and on display, LIFW can look forward to some real stuff.