At the 'Pinnacle' of Fashion

Though ‘Made in India’ has become a buzz word in the past one year, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is another Indian who has been working towards it since 2009, albeit on a different tangent. Shruti Sancheti whose forte lies in showcasing a couture of indigenous designs coupled with contemporary styling gets talking about what to expect from her collection at the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week and the latest fashion trends this season.

If LFW 2014 saw silk as Shruti’s muse, this year it will be khadi and its variations with focus on dying Rajasthani and Gujarati detailing. “If last year we brought the Pochammapalli from Andhra Pradesh, this year has been dedicated to the desert states and their art forms like tie-and-dye, shibori, banraja and my collection is called ‘Nomadisthan’,” Shruthi reveals adding that when the world is looking up to India to draw inspiration, why shouldn’t she encash on it. Shruti further adds, that while her entrourage is modern interpretation of India whererin she tries to merge the ethnic with contemporary fashion, it is also a way of showing the world the kind of legacy Indian have inherited. “I have always focused on incorporating Indian culture. Our country is so big that some area is always left untouched and unexplored,” she reflects.

The trendsetter

Though Shruti considers herself a newcomer, taking baby steps in the industry, she is quite vocal in denouncing ‘fashion trends’. “I don’t follow or believe in any fashion trends. People spend a lot of money in buying our clothes and I want to give them clothes that have timeless feel to them and not that are worn once and then stowed away.” The designer also adds that Nomadisthan incorporates this timeless feel and the clothes can be worn season after season.

Quiz her if it’s her unconventional approach that’s responsible for her scaling popularity, Shruti replies modestly. “I don’t know. What I do know is that when I ventured into the industry, I was apprehensive but LFW gave me the exposure, audience and eventually recognition too,” she says. What also worked in her favour was that the fashion week also dedicated a day textiles.

Enticed and to entice

Just like how she shifted gears from History Honours to fashion, using textiles and other indigenous detailing also happened subconsciously for Shruti. While a slice of history, society and culture are depicted in her collection, her interaction as a kid in Kolkata and later in Maharashra left indelible mark on her. “I have never used man-made fabrics. But to use textiles was not a conscious decision. I guess they always attracted me and when I got into the business I turned to them to entice others,” she shares.  Shruthi says though fashion always interested her and she would style her clothes as a kid, she didn’t know there was a name for her fascination. After studying History, she did a course in fashion designing and then took to teaching designing full-time, until she launched her label ‘Pinnacle’ six years ago. Now a guest faculty, and full-time designer, Shruti considers her young students to be her muse. “The interaction with young and dynamic people is not inspiring but is also motivational,” she quips.

Closet essentials

•  I just love khadi so a khadi saree is must. pairing it up with a jacket blouse or a well-fitted  blouse will make it a timeless attire
•  I am essentially a casual person so a crisp white shirt with a well-fitted pair of denims is something I can’t do without
•  Long jackets are something that will never go out of fashion. I especially love those with floral prints, that are so feminine and elegant.
•  Afghani jewellery that I used in my first show. They have the ability to jazz up any attire i pair them with.

Fashion is: Fashion is something that I can identify with. What you wear reflects your outlook towards life. Fashion is not rocket science, its just how you present yourself.

Trends that will carryover from last year

Pallazo pants with long kurtas and long dresses will be hit this year as well

Florals prints are evergreen

Sarees and anarkalis are here to stay

Crop tops with pallazo pants

Slouch and dhoti pants will also make a style statement

Add or remove jackets and mix and match to create your own style

What’s in this season?

•  Shibori, tie-and-dye, block prints are all being used by international brands will be big hit thsi year
•  Breezy, cool colours are a must considering the hot climes of the country
•  Layering to add oomph
•  Hand embroidery especially Kashmiri