08 March,2015 08:39 AM IST | | Ananya Ghosh
Says Shilpa Reddy, who will showcase her latest collection in New York this month
Karishma Kotak in a Shilpa Reddy creation
Former Mrs India Shilpa Reddy will showcase her Spring/Summer collection at Jessica Minh Anh's show, J Spring 2015, in New York later this month. The model-turned-designer is also gearing up to participate in the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week (LFW).
Excerpts from an interview:
Q. What kind of clothes do you prefer to wear and design?
A. I like to wear and design Indo-Western clothes. The DNA of my clothes is Indian but they are interpreted in a modern and contemporary way.
Karishma Kotak in a Shilpa Reddy creation. Pic/Shadab khan
Q. What is the USP of your designs? Who is your main target group?
A. Understated glamour, impeccable fit and finish are the cornerstones of my design. My target group comprises women who are modern, experimental, well-travelled, yet respect their roots.
Q. How did you get associated with Jessica Minh Anh?
A. Last season she invited me for her J autumn fashion show 2014, which took place at the Eiffel Tower, Paris. Since then we have developed a bond. She even wore my designs to Paris and New York fashion weeks.
Q. How was the experience of showcasing your collection at the Eiffel Tower?
A. 'Magical' is the only word I can come up with. It was also very romantic. I consider that show a turning point in my career. To get an opportunity to showcase my designs in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, and that too at an iconic monument like the Eiffel Tower, at such an early stage of my career was certainly something.
Designer Shilpa Reddy
Q. Tell us about Floral Geometry, your collection for Jessica Minh Anh's show that will be unveiled in New York on March 19.
A. The collection is inspired by the geometry of ikkat and spring blossoms. It reflects the effortless amalgamation of both these contrasting elements. The silhouettes are largely western with few Indian touches. There are structured shoulders with peplums and dresses, Pochampalli jumpsuits, pantsuits with skirt sarees and more. I have mostly used green, yellow and pink with blue ikkat.
Q. Tell us about the collection you will showcase at LFW.
A. My inspiration for that collection is moonlight on sand. For me moon is a symbol of beauty and understated elegance. The collection is entirely made from khadi silk, which resembles the tones of the moon, with a subtle texturing. Floral motifs are delicately balanced on it using gold and silver thread embroidery.
Q. You have been a Gladrags Mrs India contest winner and a model. Did your experience on the ramp help you as a designer?
A. Yes, it was my internship in the fashion industry. Before starting my own label, I had walked the ramp for Sabyasachi, Rocky S, Rajesh Pratap Singh and the likes. It gave me an insider's perspective into the fashion world and that helped me a lot as a designer.
