GURSAKHI LUGANI’S NAKHREWAALI has all the right attitude and oomph to make you stand out and get noticed. Just likeit stole designer Masaba Gupta’s attention at a fashion show, convincing her to
buy Gursakhi’s first collection. Or for that matter, that of Sonam Kapoor, who flaunted their Jalpari earrings on social media.
A house of handcrafted jewellery, NakhreWaali, which turns three this month, is bright as sunshine and high on innovation. The brand that started out with earrings has diversified, with blouses that have become equally popular with ambitious cuts and embroidery. Sample a choli-style backless blouse with embroidered full sleeves. You’ll also find notebooks and quirky key chains. Gursakhi also rolled out her new collection of statement dupattas and can be paired with Indian and Western outfits. Available at multi-designer stores and online, NakhreWaali also provides customised jewellery and gifting options for mehendi ceremonies.
Gursakhi, a B Com graduate who inter ned with fashion magazines as a stylist and who has also toiled in a corporate set-up, decided to start NakhreWaali when one of her earrings got noticed at a fashion event. “I made those earrings from discarded curtains before the event, and it fetched me more than one compliment. That validation convinced me to give my creative ability a fair chance, and it turned out that I enjoyed it. My first collection was bought by Masaba Gupta at another fashion event. Since then, the bespoke pieces have had many takers from the fashion and film industry,” informs the 26-year-old Delhi-based fashion entrepreneur, who is a natural crafts lover.
Traditional crafts like bandhani and leheria prints of Rajasthan and patola of Gujarat inspire her, and she uses them willingly in her collection. She now has 25 karigars in Gurugram and reaches out to clusters in remote areas as well. Using up-cycling philosophy, she creates statement earrings and necklaces, as well as chokers and rings that fit into minimal fashion zone. “The brand language is quite fun. NakhreWaali just brightens up your look without over-doing it. You wear the earrings with simple jeans and T-shirt, and you’re ready for a party,” says an enterprising Gursakhi, who has taken her brand
to seven countries now, including Italy, Dubai, US and Paris.
The name NakhreWaali, though catchy and feminine, has more meaning to it, Gursakhi explains. “Every woman has their nakhra, their distinct attitude that defines them. Some are aggressive; others are shy or even emotional. It’s about being proud of who you are and not hiding anything from anyone. Women can wear my jewellery and flaunt their nakhra without bothering about anything,” says the fashionista, who is unfazed by people copying her designs. She says, “I believe it’s the best form of flattery. If somebody thinks they can copy my designs, and earn money through it, then I must be doing something right. I will have sleepless nights if I feel insecure.”
Available at Twirl Store in
Kolkata. From Rs 1,200 onwards.