Sita Mikhail’s new collection experiments with stained glass and architectural silhouettes

Titled Mirror Tells a Tale, the collection uses glass beads, intricate hand embroidery and zardosi work
The designer duo with actor Neha Sharma, wearing one of their designs at the Lakme Fashion Week
The designer duo with actor Neha Sharma, wearing one of their designs at the Lakme Fashion Week

There was something about the way antique stained glass windows catch light that inspired Sita Mikhail to rethink its use for windows and architecture and instead incorporate it into her designs for her self-titled label, Sita Mikhail. The Bengaluru-based designer showcased her latest collection, Mirror Tells a Tale, at the Lakme Fashion Week recently. A former nutritionist, her love for fashion saw her switching careers, and setting up Mock Orange, a pret store retailing multiple brands. Four years on, she decided to create her own label along with her husband, Mikhail. “Sita Mikhail, the label, stands for creativity, innovation and mad ideas coming to reality. Our garments are meticulously handcrafted and stitched to perfection,” says Sita.

Playing dress up
Launched in October 2017, Sita’s designs display an affinity for luxe fabrics and dramatic silhouettes, but with an elegant and timeless finish. Focusing on wedding wear and special occasions, the silhouettes for the latest collection were done keeping in mind the use of stained glass in architecture. “The motifs were inspired by how stained glass is used in architecture, hence the silhouettes had to match up to it yet be wearable. 

We stuck to structured silhouettes. We used box pleats to create a more slender appeal and crinoline for a vintage vibe. The outcome is a collection that is vintage yet edgy,” explains Sita. With a festive-focused colour palette that veers from ivory and wine to midnight blue and jet black, Sita employed a mix of raw silk, tulle and pure silk for her line-up of dresses, and the stained glass effect was fashioned out of coloured glass, glass beads and zardosi work.

Making the cut
Talking about conceptualising and creating the collection, Sita says, “It was very challenging to implement the idea of stained glass embroidery, as it has never been attempted before. The right material was not readily available, so we decided to create our own material. It took months of trial and error to finally get the product that could be used safely for embroidery that was colour fast and sustainable too.”

The next few months at Sita Mikhail hinges primarily on stained glass embroidery, as Sita feels that there is a lot more to explore in that direction, but in the long run, she hopes to be recognised as the designer for the avant garde bride.

Rs.4,000 upwards. At her studio in HSR Layout

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