Model-turned-designer Shilpa Reddy has given old-world chic a new spin with her latest collection, Vintage Fantasy. Imagine elegant outfits that Lady Mary Crawley might have sported in Downtown Abbey. However, like her other signature collections, this one too has a distinct desi feel with a definite global edge – for example, she has created anarkalis with cape instead of a dupatta. “Think of a tunic with a tailcoat at the back; something that was in fashion for men back in the 1930s to ’40s,” says the celebrity couturier, who has been the toast of Hyderabad’s fashion circuit for eight years now. She has also designed for some well-known names of Tollywood like Nagarjuna and Rashi Khanna.
The highlight of her latest collection is that they don’t look too ostentatious and are rather functional. Also, she has meticulously crafted her heirloom pieces in a way that they can be paired by her patrons with other outfits as well. “It is all about mix and match! As I speak, a client just shopped for a lehenga from one set and blouse from another,” she shares. The motifs are inspired by English belle flowers. The finesse of the thread work speaks volumes about the calibre of the artisans who have spent months in the studio working on it. The embellishments are in muted gold and accentuated with Swarovski crystals, feather and antique zardosi finish. “I opted out of three-dimensional embroidery and kept the threadwork flat such that attention isn’t taken away from the dramatic silhouettes,” says Shilpa, adding that raw silk, organza and sheer satin are the fabrics that she has used in her collection to add dainty aesthetics to her designs.
The colour palette includes classic pastels that are perfect for destination weddings and sangeet ceremonies. Expect sage green, old rose, sunshine yellow, dust blue, lavender, and gray. Her clothes are crafted for use over and over again and you can use your imagination. This collection is available at her plush design studio at Road No. 45, Jubilee Hills.
Price: Rs 35,000 onwards.