When actress Samantha Akkineni and Naga Chaitanya got engaged a couple of years ago, she wore an iconic Love Story Sari by designer Krésha Bajaj, which was as much the talk of the town as the event itself. The Mumbai-based designer, who came up with this personalised trousseau idea, is hosting her first bridal and ready-to-wear pop-up in the city this weekend. The two-day fashion extravaganza starting Saturday is also bringing her latest versions of Love Story Lehenga 2.0 here. Talking about how she first came up with the idea while shopping for a wedding outfit, she remembers how she wanted something customised to the hilt, one that would speak about her love story as well. Krésha elaborates, “At the time of my wedding, I couldn’t find anything that I really liked, we went to every possible designer. I drove my mom crazy. So I decided to do my wedding clothes. I studied it for four months, and that’s how I made my first Love Story Lehenga.”
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Feeling at home
When we ask her what made her choose the City of Pearls, she said, “I have so many clients here and they keep asking me to do a pop-up. So I finally decided that this was the right time and created a special collection just for Hyderabad.” She informs that the outfits she created for the showcase will include a whole lot of festive and glamorous pieces. Krésha goes on to add how she does not want her patrons from this city to miss out on the boudoir-like space she has in her flagship studio in Mumbai hence she has recreated a similar setting for the event. Usually, when a bride-to-be comes to her for a specialised lehenga, she is taken through the entire journey of her ‘love story lehenga’ that is intricately handcrafted to show how the story of the bride and groom unfolded. The bride often discusses the moments she wants etched on the lehenga, over a glass of champagne to create the foundation. Later, she is offered a choice of silhouettes and silk that will flatter her body type. That’s the mood she hopes to re-create in her pop-up as well. “I love creating a world of fantasy. That’s an idea which is quite important to the brand and we are recreating that with everyone in Hyderabad. So for the exhibition, we have paid attention to the décor as well, done up in the style of a mehendi function. We want the girls coming in to feel special from the moment they come in for a consultation,” says the designer.
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Be my muse?
Even her ready-to-wear collections speak volumes about how detailed her designs can be. The ensembles have on them delicate handwork, crystal-shaded sequins and glass beading and embroidery, which third-generation artisans have worked on. “I have put a lot of thought into these outfits so I hope one thinks of them as an investment piece,” shares the designer, talking about her two collections — with designs from two of her prêt collections, Noir and Muse. Get ready to shop for dreamy and feminine pieces in her signature pastel palette and sorbet hues, with occasional bold colours, jewel tones and midnight blue and black. The mix of fabrics she works with includes organza, tulle and silk.
These might as well be called wardrobe classics as one can pair them with Western or traditional coordinates. From crop tops to blouses, pants to party dresses and beachy numbers, she is bringing some of her best designs with her. “The Noir Collection is slightly more festive, something the bridesmaids, or friends and sisters of the bride might prefer. Hence, there will be an array of anarkalis, saris, lightweight lehengas, cocktail gowns and shararas as well,” says the designer, who studied at the London College of Fashion and Parsons School of Design in New York.
Celeb’s Choice
From dressing Shloka Ambani to Samantha Akkineni closer home, Krèsha is hugely sought after by celebrities. About her collaboration with Samantha, she says “It is all about taking the demands of the person into account and put a unique spin to it. She has a keen sense of fashion. Luckily I think our aesthetics are very similar and we like the same things. She wanted something timeless and I could deliver.”
Pop-up at Taj Krishna, 11 am.
Rs 35,000 onwards for pret.
Rs 1.5 lakh for the lehengas.