On Day One of the Amazon India Fashion Week, Mumbai-based designer Payal Singhal showcased light fabrics like tulle, organza, silk to highlight an Indian wedding in Paris.
In her autumn winter collection titled “A French Love Song”, Payal deliberately selected light fabric as she wanted the line to play on the duality of revealing and concealing, gliding easily between sensual and demure. The designer, whose outfits basically emphasise Indianness, presented a collection which was contemporary, trendy and cosmopolitan.
Drawing inspiration from the delicate femininity of Chantilly lace, Payal, who launched her label way back in late 1990s, presented the neo-Indian collection which was essentially for an “Indian bride getting hitched in Paris.”
“The collection has kept in mind the needs of an Indian bride who selects Paris as her wedding destination. The feeling is French and effortlessness is the basic characteristic.”
Therefore, she chose muddy pastels – dusk blue, rose blush and stone grey, echoing the subtle tones of French chic and French knot placements. Intricate embroideries and contemporary zardozi leather applique completed the picture of a bridal wear.
“The unique selling point of our brand is Indian-ness. We use Indian-origin fabric but the silhouettes are such that they can be worn in Western weddings. So we procure fabric not just from Maharashtra but also other places like we get silk from Banaras, get Mukesh work done in Lucknow. We do a lot of zardozi embroidery but instead of gota patti we do it with leather appliqué. The use of leather give the embroidery a Western look,” says Payal.
Explaining why the Indian-ness in her collection was distinct from the traditional, Payal says, “I am from a generation which grew up wearing jeans and T shirts, studying in English medium educational institutions. So I think like the English people yet as an Indian designer I am keen to highlight the aesthetic beauty of our country’s craft, heritage, its richness in textile and customs.”
Payal believes that showcasing a collection is an essential prerequisite for any professional designer to make his/her presence felt in the fashion week. She is not content in opening a stall and doing retailing at the fashion extravaganza.
“I feel showcasing the collection is very important as the buyers and consumers can see how you have envisioned your line versus just seeing them on hangers in the stalls.”
Sharing her experience in fashion weeks conducted by FDCI, Payal says, “It has been great so I don’t feel anything needs to change at least from my point of view.”
