If you’ve followed the city’s fashion circuit in the last year, you’ll know how popular city-based fashionistas and curators Nikita Kapoor Bajaj and Pavithra Sagar are for their elaborate pop-ups in Chennai, and their one-of-a-kind exhibitions. With Diwali fast approaching, the duo are at it again with over 30 fashion designers from across India in a unique apparel and jewellery exhibition for the complete shopping experience. This showcase will bring in some of the best high-end ethnic wear to the table, along with essentials like jewellery and footwear.
“This is completely a festive edit with over 36 designers, and will have stylists on board,” says Nikita Kapoor Bajaj over a phone call. She adds that it’s not just for women, but will have something for men and kids as well, which include stationery. If you’re famished from all the walking around, watch out for Local XO and their spread of delicious finger food. We take a look at the designers that are coming down and the duo have roped in big names like Mumbai-based Dheeru & Nikita, Roshni Chopra, Delhi-based contemporary designer Chhavvi Agarwal, consciously made handcrafted fabrics from Delhi-based Bohame, Mumbai-based Maison Blu with their geoemtric designs and abstract forms, and dynamic prints and embroideries from Delhi-based Limerick by Abirr N’ Nanki. So, not only do you have a variety of cuts to pick out from, but you’re also spoilt for choice with the collection!
d&n by Dheeru and Nikita is in town for the first time and you will not be disappointed with what they have in store. Their bespoke designer label thrive to create designs that are a perfect amalgamation of thoughtful international silhouettes and Indian textile and craftsmanship. The duo over a phone call talk about the brand and say that the USP of their label is the silhouettes and cuts they have. These include Indian lehengas and drape sari cuts with an unusual twist. They have in the past worked with mughal zardosi, kasav woven in delicate floral motifs, sitara and nalkinetted in a contemporary form. “We use alot of crepes and georgettes and you’ll also find taffeta and tulle in our collection,” says Nikita. Find yourself the perfect Diwali ensemble among their range of 30 outfits, that go from pastel tones to earthy hues. You can also get yourself a mix of bridesmaid lehengas, trousseau outfits, drape and singular silhouette ensembles which can either be worn to pre wedding occasions or even a Diwali bash. From Rs 18,000 onwards.
Love to own a pendant designed like a bird? Watch out for Jaipur-based Sonal Sawansukha OF Jewels Saga, who with her line of fine jewellery on display, will be in Chennai for the Funky Fish pop up!. Describing it as fine jewellery, Sonal says that every piece has a story and are made collection wise. Her collections include a Enamel Amore, and says that they are one of the few people who are doing french enamel, a different technique very similar to meenakarai style. The colours are all pastel, and sourced in Jaipur itself where Sonal works out of. “We also have another collection called Birds of Paradise which are inspired by birds,” says Sonal adding that every piece is made in-house and she will be bringing down pieces from each collection. “I also use real peacock feathers,” says an excited Sonal. Sonal asks the customer to watch out for the designer pieces and statement pieces that Jewels Saga specialises in. From 50,000 onwards.