Who says designers who decide stay put in Bangalore cannot hit the international fashion scene? Today it’s a myth that only couturiers established in Mumbai and Delhi make it big. Some of our designers are glued to this City yet creating waves in the international fashion market. One such Bangalorean is Jyoti Sachdev, who will be showcasing her new Spring Summer collection in a stand-alone show in Barcelona this Sunday.
Titled ‘Sunset Boulevard’, Jyoti’s new collection is inspired by the marvellous architecture of Barcelona. “I fell in love with Barcelona on my last visit. My creations have been inspired by the La Familia Sagrada, the cathedral of Barcelona that is still under construction according to architect Gaudi’s plan. It’s so beautiful and uses a lot of colours. This is also why I chose to showcase my clothes first in Barcelona and then in Bangalore,” quips the NIFT graduate.
One look and you will see the Spanish grace and elegance translating well into her collection. Heavily accented towards the western silhouette, her collection comprises of linen skirts, mull tops, lacy corsets, long jackets and an array of dresses that ooze feminine charm. The dresses are mostly knee-length and in strapless and backless styles. One sees the use of the fabric as a canvas for an exquisite painting that include motifs like blood-red roses, the Japanese fan, angelic portraits and more. Colours range from earthy tones like olive greens and pretty pinks to strong European colours like blacks, browns and beiges.
The skirts appear to flirt with Spanish fluid silhouettes. Embroidery is controlled with more emphasis on texture.
“Earlier I would use a lot of embellishment. This time I have paid more attention to detail and textures. So you will see extensive use of leather patches and applique. People’s fashion sense is changing. Some of my clients say that they will pay me extra but they don’t want bling,”says the designer, who actually specialises in wedding trousseau.
Jyoti’s fashion event in Barcelona with international models will see ten sequences with ten garments each. She has worked earlier with Selfridges in London, Kenzo and Fendi. So, how different is the international fashion scene from India?
Jyoti explains, “There is a lot of talent in India. Designers like Sabyasachi, Ashish Soni and Anamika Khanna are regulars at events in fashion capitals. But the Indian industry needs to get more organised. We need to have more corporate tie-ups.” She goes on to add that wardrobe malfunctions are a result of this disorganised characteristic.
“The backstage help that you receive abroad is astounding. So much goes into the preparation for a single show. What we wrap up in two days, they take a month! You cannot have things like wardrobe malfunctions,” complains the designer.
When asked why menswear was neglected in this collection, pat came the reply. “Men neglect themselves. I did an entire men’s line in linen two years ago. But all in vain. Men are still hesitant to experiment. They have no patience to sit with a designer,” says Jyoti.
On her return from Barcelona, Jyoti will showcase this pret line in Bangalore followed by cities across India, and then in Bali in August. ‘Sunset Boulevard’ will be available soon at Jyoti’s studio called Sayesh in Jayanagar. A must-try for the new fashionable woman of Bangalore.
Smita Balram Kumar