JOIN USWhen vibrant silks twirl in sync with the warm colours of an orange sunset or a hint of burnished gold, it has to be the gentle, evocative palette of Pria Kataria.
The designer who shot to fame with her signature drapes and sensual apparel with her very first collection, is also known for her beautiful fabrics and vintage styling. Today, Pria divides her time between Kuwait, India and US and calls her collection Occidental Couture, as it embraces the finest influences of the East and the West.
She is also a designer to Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan and many more, and her international clientele includes celebrities like Madonna and Paris Hilton.
Pria was in Bengaluru recently to present her collection at the Bangalore Fashion Week, where she showcased her latest line, Firdaus, inspired by a Persian word. Her show in the city was an evening of displaying her new line of splendid fusion wear, complete with prints inspired from Persia and blended with paisley motifs. The audience was treated to a whirl of kaftan silhouettes like maxi-kaftans, off shoulder and cold shoulder styled kaftans, and a panorama of jumpsuits, palazzos, rompers and dresses in pure Italian silk.
The mood of the evening was pure resort indulgence, with golden sun and sand, shimmering shades of the dunes, soft white cloud, turquoise waters and azure skies in luxurious fabrics like crepe silk and Chantilly lace, embellished with sequins, feathers and mirrors. In an interview with the designer, it was clear that her muse lies in the delightful luxury of exquisite fabrics and stylish silhouettes.
What were some of the newest trends that you showed this year?
I do a lot of resort wear destination wedding collections and it was this range that I showed this year along with a party wear line. I showcased the kaftan maxi which is a long free-sized garment that has a very Indo-western feel. There were several pure silk, embellished kaftans in free sizes. As usual, I used a lot of silks, satin silks, crepes, chiffons and semi fluid fabrics that drape the body. These fabrics have always been my favourites as they are also very easy to create digital prints upon. Most of my fabrics are imported from Italy and then printed in India. However, this season along with
satin, chiffon and crepes, I also incorporated lace and feathers from France.
What are the main trends of this festive season?
The main trends this festive season are off-shoulder styles, cold-shoulder sleeves and unique cuts in blouses, tunics and lehengas. When it comes to Indian ethnic wear, people are going for styles that expose the shoulder, like off-shoulder sari blouses. As for lehenga cholis, a jacket that touches the floor with a skirt underneath is in vogue. Apart from these trends, kaftans are also in fashion, especially the mini-kaftan dress, which is fun and flirty, and can be worn for any occasion. Sequins and sparkles are also popular nowadays. The colours of the season for my collection are champagne and rose gold.
Who are your fashion icons?
When I started off in the industry, I used to be inspired by women like Maharani Gayatri Devi and Elizabeth Taylor, as I liked strong, independent women. But my modern muse revolves around women like Beyonce, Rihanna and Priyanka Chopra, who work extremely hard and have made a name for themselves for all the right reasons.
Can you suggest three style tips for Indian women?
The three style tips, that I would suggest for Indian women — is to dress in accordance with your body type and not follow trends blindly. At the end of the day, fashion and style are about expressing your individuality. So take an interest in fashion and choose clothes and accessories that will suit you, your lifestyle, your body type and what your life is all about. Secondly, I have noticed that Indian women do not pay too much attention to their inner wear, like lingerie and body shapers. Invest in corsets and control lingerie, which will give your clothes smooth lines. Thirdly, try to experiment. Be more aware of fashion and the new trends in the world. Have a global vision when it comes to fashion and style.
What is the best way to amp one’s glamour quotient?
A immediate way to give yourself a glamorous look is to blow dry your hair, apply red lipstick and wear high heels.
How should a woman build up her closet staples?
I think closet staples should comprise a mix of classic clothing, like day wear, office-wear, gym wear, evening wear, party wear and Indian wear. You can begin by collecting special pieces to build your wardrobe, like classic black and white clothes, a denim jacket or a pair of fitting blue jeans, whether it’s skinny or bootleg. You also need a black jacket and a lot of white and black blouses, that you can wear for formal and casual occasions. Apart from these clothes, you need Indian wear, so buy saris and lehengas that can be worn for semi-formal and formal occasions. Another addition to closet staples, is what we now call is lounge gym wear.
How did you get into fashion?
I always wanted to be in fashion as far back as I can remember. Growing up between India and America, I felt that America gave me an exposure to international fashion. My father always told me that it’s important to have one outfit that is outstanding than 10 ordinary outfits. I used to be completely mesmerised by my mom’s beautiful chiffon saris and I loved the bell bottoms and big hoop earrings of the 70s. I think that’s where my fashion journey started.
Later, I enrolled into The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising college in the US. When I graduated, my graduation collection was showcased at the San Francisco Fashion Center as I had won an award. Literally overnight I became a star because celebrities like Bianca Jagger and Barbara Bush loved my clothes. The rest, as they say is history.
How would you define fashion and what does it mean to you?
Fashion is the expression of one’s individuality. It’s an expression of one’s personal style, and one’s physical and inner strength. The world judges you by the style that you sport, so it’s important that you learn to be true to that. Don’t follow fashion blindly. Have
fun and remember that trends come and go, but style is eternal. Your clothes can actually change the way the world perceives you. So, use your wardrobe to your advantage. Fashion plays a very important role and tool in telling the world who you are.