Bandana Narula’s new collection is hot off the ramp — Lakme Fashion Week, no less. Titled Dazva, the pret line has just been launched in the city. “After the show in August, for a month we were just replenishing our stock,” says a delighted Bandana. Mumbai, the venue for the fashion week was also the first city where she stocked her collection. Now it is present across several cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.
Dazva primarily features Indo-Western silhouettes in silk textures. There are skirts with convenient pockets, anarkalis, saris embellished intricately with sequins... It also sees sharp chevrons fused with motifs of lilies. “I love chevrons. Right from my childhood I have had a collection of so many objects with this particular print,” she says. The hues revolve around pastels. Think shades of salmon pink, mauve, blue-green and grey. Over the years, pastels have become part of her signature look. When she started her eponymous label in 2015, bold colours were a prominent part of her creations. “I have transitioned into more elegant shades and pastel hues over the course of time. I have matured in understanding and implementing the use of patterns and creating my own prints as well,” says the designer.
Bandana is launching her pret wear line across stores and cities. But when she started her store four years ago, it started as a customisation store, focussed mainly on bridal wear. No wonder, she still enjoys the process. And as for designing bridal wear, she says, “I feel we contribute to a life-long memory and bridal wear is a near sacred outfit for every bride.” Does doing bridal wear get monotonous and stressful, given some of them can turn into bridezillas? “Not at all. You should see the looks on their faces when they try out their wedding outfits for the first time. It is priceless,” smiles Bandana. And she says there is no question of monotony or feeling restricted in terms of design because bridal wear has become bolder and experimental now. “Lehengas are being paired with corsets and strappy blouses. Saris teamed with plunge blouses. It is a reflection of the attitude brides carry forward into their marriages. Girl power is on the rise. There is a lot of experimenting and it inspires one to push their boundaries of imagination,” she adds.
STUDIO BANDANA NARULA is located at 4, Sarabha, First Floor, 2nd Cross Road, Seethammal extension, Alwarpet.
