CIVILISATIONS, WHETHER INDIAN or Persian, stoke ingenuity in Anju Modi’s edits. The Delhi-based couturier known for her silhouettes that personify world artistry in fine detailing on her classic ethnic wears is set to broaden the horizon of her customer reach. Making her brand more affordable, Modi collaborates with BIBA and was in the city for the launch of her line-up of the Delhibased ethnic wear brand at South City Mall. The designer talked about dressing up Amitabh Bachchan, Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara for the upcoming Telugu release Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, and being enamoured by world civilisations. Excerpts:
What is it about BIBA that got you onboard?
BIBA is the market leader in ethnic wear in India and the kind of designs they do, it is very much in my kind of zone. Their synergy matches mine. Also, they offer a complete connection with the bigger audience, so for me, it’s a winwin situation.
For how long have you been associated with Siddharath Bindra’s brand?
I have been planning it for the last four years and the time was ripe now to introduce my ethnic collection in BIBA’s select stores across India . Fashion has become very inclusive in our lifestyle — it has become a necessity. This inclusiveness is a good thing and it has given us that window where we can now reach a bigger audience. I would love to dress every woman in society. Fashion is a tool that gives you a lot of confidence and style.
The collection looks sophisticated yet contemporary…
The collection is fun and has a romantic feel. It is called An Enchanted Forest Collection, and you will find motifs of leaves, flowers, candles, chandeliers, peacocks and parrots in anarkalis and shararas—which are a rage. I have introduced knee - length straight cut kurtis with beautiful layering. In terms of detailing, you will find gota work and floral embroideries to make the silhouettes more interesting.
What are your expectations from Kolkata?
Kolkata is always ready to accept my designs. I love Kolkata and its culture. I relate a lot with Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry. Also, the city’s literature, music and movies attract me. Somehow my emotions about the city come out quite well in my designs and hence they are very well accepted. I guess we are getting a fantabulous response here. Different cultures and civilisations have always been your inspiration.
Which civilisation has got your attention this time?
I’m very proud of the cultural archives of India and we keep taking inspirations from them for our designs. I am so enamoured by the cultural influences and I feel our ancestors were aesthetically well-tuned. Three years ago, I made a collection inspired by Uzbekistan. I am now working on the theme of blue pottery, inspired by Persian culture. But you won’t find the designs to be verbatim. Rather, I internalise it and use it effortlessly.
After dressing up Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in Bajirao Mastani who are you styling next?
I completed a Telugu movie Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy and it will be out on October 2. So I have dressed Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara and also got the privilege to dress up Amitabh Bachchan. It was a great experience.
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