The designer duo of Alpa Thacker and Reena Phophalia may have recently taken baby steps into the business of fashion, but the sisters have been designing couture for nearly 15 years now. Starting out small, designing for NRI clients and Mumbai’s glitterati, the designers launched their label Alpa & Reena three years ago. “We were content with what we were doing, were media shy and didn’t have a label. Now, we’ve shifted our focus to branding and have started participating in fashion weeks,” says Alpa, who takes care of branding and marketing.
In Bangalore for the Bangalore Fashion Week, the sisters were also a part of the Mauritius Fashion Week, 2011, and dressed the likes of Amy Jackson and Waheeda Rahman for the South African Film and Television Awards last year. “Amy wanted a salwar-kameez and we didn’t want to give her the usual kurta and churidhar look. We designed a lovely floor-length anarkali and she loved it. We’ve also dressed Farah Khan and understand her fuss-free style. We’ve done a range of simple, yet stylish, tunics for her,” Alpa reveals.
“I think what we’re looking now for is an opportunity to dress the new crop of actors like Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor, who are open to experimentation. I think creatively it will be very fulfilling for us,” says Reena, who looks after the production of their designs.
Enthusiastic and charming, the designer sisters make for an unassuming team – much like their designs that are simple with classic and modern elements. The label showcases traditional maheshwaris, bandhanis, leheriyas and jamawars, combined with trendy net, lycra or organza to create delicate, contemporary looks. Zardozi, block printing and antique gold sequins are used creatively to infuse garments with a regal and glamorous feel. “I think modern classicism is the best way to describe our creations. The designs are chic and timeless. What we designed 15 years ago still feels trendy,” says Alpa.
Alpa & Reena’s latest collection, titled Mandala, is inspired by the seven chakras in the body. With each chakra depicting a different colour and mood, the collection moves between the bright and dark to come full circle and symbolise unity. “Ours is a spiritually-inclined family and that’s where the inspiration comes from,” says Alpa. “I prefer light, pastel shades, while Alpa is more partial to darker colours,” says Reena.
A fusion of intricate handcrafted embellishments, traditional embroidery techniques and detailed tailoring have been dramatically juxtaposed on unconventional yet structured silhouettes in the collection.
With the Delhi Fashion Week next on the cards, the duo are working on a resort collection that will see experiments with tie and dye and block printing. “There’s a lot of gold in the collection as well and it gives the range a couture effect,” says Alpa.
