A blushing bride is only one part of the story. A bride goes through nervous moments, working herself to a sweat aiming to be perfect for D-day, often driving herself and those around her up the wall. Anushree Reddy explored this facet of a bride with her bold, fun and young collection ‘Tantrum Bride’ for Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2013, held early this year. The collection she will be presenting in Chennai for The Vimonisha Mega Style Souk will explore this facet of the bride further.
“This collection captures the journey of a bride through all her pre-wedding functions to the finale,” says Hyderabad-based Anushree, talking about her first-ever show in Chennai. Feminine silhouettes that flatter Indian body types are the 28-year-old designer’s forte. Flowy tunics, anarkalis, lehangas, flimsy jackets and saris are her staples. “Since this is winter, I’ve used a lot of rich silk softened out and blended with tulle to add volume. The workmanship is flamboyant. We have floral patterns fused with age-old zardozi techniques. Brocade and quilted, printed raw silks are also part of this collection, which would cater to a younger age group from 18 to 35,” says Anushree.
She likes to isolate one thread of motivation and work a collection around a story: “I normally choose one source of motivation and the entire story and garment line is made to revolve around that one idea. Research helps me explore the idea and all of this reflects in my work,” she adds.
Her signature label was launched three years ago when Anushree realised she was an intuitive designer. After an MBA from Cardiff University, she returned to Hyderabad and was a fashion editor and stylist for a city magazine. Her designs found high-profile takers within the city and she realised she had the potent combination of design sensibilities and management principles.
Anushree’s debut in the ‘talent box’ section of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013 was her first big step in the national platform. It also helped that one of her outfits was worn by Madhuri Dixit in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa .
Anushree reflects, “2013 has been a fantastic year in every sense; the label has grown by leaps and bounds. In the coming year, I want to bring out two more collections and take them to a wider audience. I intend to challenge my creative side by working on collections outside of my comfort zone.”
(Anushree Reddy will display her collection at Hotel Hyatt Regency on December 17 and 18)
