Is creativity inborn or should it be learnt? This question comes up especially when we talk fashion. Do design schools matter? Here is one such classic case tha t impressively negates the purpose of design institutions.
Amrisha Jhunjhunwala is a new-age designer who has not had any formal training in fashion design but weaves her creativity into garments flawlessly. Says the Bangalore-based designer, “I have no formal training in design. Six years ago, I started designing kurtas and tops for myself. I loved it and four years ago I decided to take it up seriously. My workshop is at home. I have learnt everything on-the-job. I used to sit for hours with my karigars learning every single technique.”
Amrisha’s clothes speak elegance with a lyrical colour story. That’s true in case of almost every designer who hails from Kolkata.
Amrisha’s new collection comprises exquisite sarees, elegant salwaar-kameezes, tunics, tops and long jackets.   Her contrasts and combinations of fabrics, colours and embroidery is worth a look. Cottons, cotton blended with lycra, georgette, velvet and wool have been effectively mixed and matched to create garments.
Earthy tones like olive greens, onion pinks, turquoise blues and sunset oranges comprise the colour palette. Floral motifs in a variety of embroideries rule the collection. “I love nature. That translates into my collection. So you will see floral patterns and rose motifs in sequin work, dori work andmuch more. I also love earthy tones. In fact, monsoon is the apt season for such colours.”
Amrisha’s line of salwaar-kameezes is stunning. She has created churidaars using cotton lycra, which lends a great look and fit. The bottoms are in vibrant colours in contrast to the kurtas in pastel shades.
 From simple round necks, pot necks, angarakha to brocade mandarin collars - there are many styles to choose from.
Long jackets and tunics form an interesting part of her collection. Very kitsch in style, Amrisha’s long jackets come in a variety of patterns and colours that can be even teamed with leggings. Tunics in printed georgette flaunt collars and empire lines in colourful velvet. Apart from prints, you also see a lot of textures and geometric patterns like straight lines.“When the fabric is superior, I go for textures. I also love straight lines because it lends a very elegant chic look to a garment,” says the mother of two, who loves the classic clean looks created by Rohit Bal and Rajesh Pratap Singh.
You will also see a mix and match of textures and controlled embroidery in her collection of sarees. These georgette  sarees come in beautiful colours like beige, pinks, blacks and sea greens. A piece that caught the attention was a pink one, which flaunted rose bootas created using coconut fibre.
Amrisha says she loves creating embroidery using different materials. For instance, she has designed floral embellishments using materials like zardosi, wool and velvet trimmings. You will see a single saree with handpainting, prints, patch work, sequin work and floral bootas over it in various layers.
One can check out Amrisha’s collection at the Grand Ball Room, Leela Palace, today between 9 am and 6 pm.
Her work will be a part of the various collections showcased by 35 designers from across the country. Organised by Noveau, the exhibition will also showcase jewellery, ceramics and art by renowned artists.