Casting her magical net

Intricate designs

It has been about two decades since Babita Malkani made a mark in the fashion industry. She has dressed some of the most popular Bollywood actors and still continues to create a new trend every season. Over the years, her attitude and creativity have helped to project her as a designer with dignity and fortitude.

With a knack to dress up high fashion in a chic avatar, she amalgamates rich fabrics with vivacious cuts and invents a fun, frisky and unique style. She talks to Anila Kurian about her latest collection with netting and mesh and the motto she follows while creating something new.

Tell us about your latest collection.

There is something about the minimalism of mesh clothing that has always appealed to me. That is how the ‘Rosette Revival’ collection came about. It includes skirts and dresses in mesh fabric which is quirky, fun and clever. I love its versatility and I feel that it is a way of revealing all without actually revealing all. It keeps you comfortable yet makes you look sensual at the same time.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

It’s from anywhere and everywhere, to be honest. Whenever I am travelling, I pick destinations that are exotic, places where I can learn about lifestyle and culture. This enables me to learn new things and create something out of that.

A few of the elements that are common in all your designs.

I always add some type of jumpsuit, romper and drape to my collection. A drape is airy, comfortable and wearable. It can also be worn for any occasion —ranging from a pool party to a brunch. A jumpsuit always makes you look elegantly smart while a romper is stylish and playful.

When you’re not busy working, how do you spend your time?

(Laughs) I am a big time foodie. I love Asian food. I also travel as much as I can.

Places on your bucket list...

Seeing the Northern Lights and visiting Ireland are definitely on my list.

Are you working on a new collection?

Yes, I just started working on Spring-Summer designs. I’m planning to go a little abstract this time but it’s too soon to talk more about it. I also do a lot of destination weddings — I design clothes for the team depending on the location.

A design motto that you follow.

The outfit one creates has to be wearable. It is pointless if the garment designed is good only for the ramp or the hanger; one must be able to wear what is designed.

A trend from last year you are happy to bid goodbye to?

The cold-shoulder fashion. I think it was done to death by everyone. But the idea can be easily turned into something new; I’m currently working on something like that.

One trend you want to see become popular.

It would be cool to see a lot of wax prints and more sheer designs. Hoodies and a sportive kind of look will be fashionable this year.

A fashion icon you wish to dress up

Zeenat Aman — she is absolutely gorgeous and her fashion sense was much ahead of its time. I’d love to dress her in a high-end jumpsuit; I think she would carry that off very well.