Courting the unconventional

There’s a lot of thought and passion that has gone into the making of  ‘Vastrra’, the brainchild of designer Sangeeta Keswani. The label believes in keeping things not only chic but also easy on the pocket.

Adding that extra touch

Sangeeta Keswani always knew that she wanted to be a designer and this passion reflects in her designs. “The focus of our designs is stylish cuts and we concentrate on the fit of the garment. We believe that straight line cuts in fabrics complement all body types,” explains Sangeeta.

Driven by the belief that the cut in an outfit can enhance the look and personality of a person, she says, “We don’t believe in using too many loud colours but also use subtle shades that add a glow to one’s complexion.”

‘Vastrra’ does well to satiate the fashion sensibilities of women — both young and old alike.

     Sangeeta feels today’s women are smart, independent and ambitious.  “They like outfits that accentuate their curves and those that look bold yet minimalistic at the same time.”

The designer doesn’t believe in working within the predictable rules of the fashion industry.

She defies conventions and experiments at every step, giving all her garments a unique twist. “I believe a ‘kurti’ goes well with jeans and matches perfectly with palazzos.
Long flowy dresses can also be worn as a ‘kurti’,” she adds.

Sangeeta enjoys working on Indo-Western wear just as much as she likes experimenting with traditional wear.

 “Indo-Western wear is the latest fad. The fusion look rules. The clothes women choose
today, as I understand, are smart, chic and comfortable.”

Sangeeta has extended her design skills to accessories as well. From chunky earrings and elaborate neckpieces to bangles and bracelets, her collection is rather exhaustive.

 She observes that accessories add that extra zing to the garment. “Every outfit has to be accessorised to complete the look. They accentuate the overall feel and look of the
garment.”

She also hastens to add that the choice of accessories also depends on individual choice.
The store is located atNo 371, 16th Main, 36th Cross, 4th Block, Jayanagar.

Annela Norbu, a second-year student of Mount Carmel College, chose to wear a white ‘kurti’ with palazzo pants.
Punchline: “The idea of mixing a ‘kurti’ with palazzo pants is what makes the garment different. It’s not completely Indian and has a Western feel to it. I also loved the earrings.”
Price: White ‘kurti’
(Rs 4,200), palazzo
pants (Rs 1,500) and
earrings (Rs 3,660).

Surabhi Santosh, a final-year student of CMR Law College, wore a blue ‘dhoti style kurti’ and matched it with black
leggings.
Punchline: “I really like the minimalistic look of the outfit. The blue colour
of the ‘dhoti’ and the sequenced thread work is a good combination. The
accessories are different.”
Price: Blue ‘dhoti style kurti’ (Rs 2,400) and
earrings (Rs 3,300).


Leah Iychettira, a first-year student of CMR Law College, picked up a black crop top and paired it with a red lehenga.
Punchline: “The outfit looks elegant and chic. I like the way it is cut and it suits me perfectly. It didn’t feel like I was wearing anything heavy, it falls well
on me.”
Price: Crop top
(Rs 6,600), lehenga (Rs 15,000)  and earrings (Rs 3,300).

Shreya Marwale, a first-year student of Army Institute of Fashion and Design, wore a yellow ‘kurti’ and matched it with gold colour leggings.
Punchline: “It is the
embroidery on the garment that makes it attractive. This, when matched with gold coloured leggings, completes the look.”
Price: ‘Kurti’ (Rs 3,850), leggings (Rs 600) and 
earrings (Rs 3,300)

Akshatha Nagendra, a third-year student of Mount Carmel College, chose to wear a short red dress.
Punchline: “Red is my favourite colour and I would love to wear this pretty lace dress to a
party. It’s comfortable, cut well and attractive.
You can even play around with the accessories.”
Price: Dress (Rs 3,660) and choker (Rs 4,830).

Megha Chhetri, a first- year student of Army Institute of Fashion and Design, chose to wear a pink gown.
Punchline: “The outfit is elegant. It is just perfect for a wedding. It looks attractive because of the elaborate work on it. But it isn’t too loud.”
Price: Pink gown
(Rs 8,700), earrings(Rs 2,400) and  bracelet (Rs 2,400).