Ice cream, loud music, glitzy costumes, appetisers and wine. If all these dosn’t signify a party, the fact that the venue was a full house — Luz House was overflowing with people on a sultry summer evening despite all the finery — just might.
With billowy skirts, floral prints, geometric patterns, clean cuts and a resplendent Taapsee Pannu in a blingy creation and a sober Bharat in ripped denims and a well-tailored jacket (who walked the ramp), Studio 9696’s launch of their debut collection over the weekend reflected just that.
The collection, says Sandeep, one of the founders and designers of Studio 9696, had just one element in common — surface textures and that each ensemble was made in such a way that the skirt and blouse could be used as separates. “The line, which blends western elegance with Indian craft traditions, is wearable yet different. For instance, an embroidered denim blouse that could be paired up with a classic pattu sari, helping you make statement at a party or even a college event.”
The young team behind Studio 9696 — Sandeep, Ekta, Kavitha (Kimberley Bericia recently joined them) — are all graduates from NIFT, Chennai — have styled celebrities such as Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, Arya, Dulquer Salmaan, Sivakarthikeyan, Vijay Sethupathi, Taapsee, Vaani Kapoor, Parvathy Omanakuttan and more.
Aaha Kalyanam , gave them their first break in the industry and their second film Vaanavil Vazhkai proved to be challenging one, says Sandeep. “Both projects were extremely taxing as they involved a number of cast members whom we had to style. But they’re fun movies that pushed us to the next level. The anxiety and sleepless nights are something that we miss every time we finish a project,” he laughs.
Apart from movies, the team also does styling for some city-based magazines and brands like VBJ and Kumaran Silks.
The story behind the name of their label is an interesting one. Originally called TN09 9696, it was inspired by the number plate of the car that drove them around Chennai. The team started with a single machine and a tailor they hired. “There were days when the three of us sewed the garments ourselves,” recalls Sandeep. Also, one of the team members Gail had to leave because of an accident and that’s when Ekta joined them.
Sandeep says that prints, especially floral, are a major trend this summer. “Relaxed-fit trousers for women and military green colour are hot too this season. Complete the look with coloured or printed sole shoes and Gandhi glass-frames.”
The prices of Studio 9696’s debut collection ranges between Rs. 10,000 and 20,000 and plans are on to retail the creation online as well as through a few multi-designer stores. The studio is located at 12/19, Balaji Avenue, Second Street, T Nagar. For details, call 98847 63893/ 89392 75990
