'Life wouldn't be fun without challenges'

Grace, elegance and needlecraft shimmer  - these are some of the hallmarks of designer  Sonaakshi Raaj's creations. A firm believer in  catering to people with a sense of style, irrespective of age,  Sonaakshi is a Bollywood favourite with  names like Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, Sonam Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez figuring in her client list. She was also the stylist for movies like 'Heropanti' and 'Munna Michael'.

Her collection was recently exhibited at the fashion and lifestyle exhibition 'Divalicious', the brainchild of Vanita Bhatia, that was held in the city for the first time. The celebrated designer spoke to Rajitha Menon about her new collection and more.

What would be a quintessential Sonaakshi Raaj creation?

A quintessential Sonaakshi Raaj creation would be a form flattering, drapey or structured feminine yet sexy silhouette.

When did you know that you wanted to be in the fashion industry?

Ever since I was a child. Way back,  during  the  early years of my schooling I realised  I wanted to be a designer.

What is your idea of style?

Style is always about one's personality and never about trends.

If you could recreate an iconic look by giving it your own twist...

Speaking of iconic looks the first thing that comes to my mind is Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman'. I loved the cut waist bodysuit with shorts  and thigh high boots.  Maybe I could give an evening look to the silhouette by giving it a black pallet and adding chrome studs.

Favourite celebrity muse?

It would be difficult to name just one. Each woman that I have designed for has a special place because of their distinct personality and sense of style. Some of them are  Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Jaqueline's Fernandes, Malaika Arora  and  Bipasha Basu.

Tell us about your new collection.

My new collection 'Skin' can be described as modern whimsical line. It is a peep show with embellished sheer silhouettes that weave like a dream around a woman's body. It has our signature elegance with eloquent drapes.

Misconceptions that people have about a fashion designer...

That it's a glamorous life. But there's a lot of handwork, challenges and  hours of endless work that goes into it. But then, life wouldn't be fun without challenges.

What garment would you personally be most uncomfortable in?

May be a bikini. But I'd love to design them.

What do you do in your free time?

Watch movies. I love films, they are a source of inspiration for me.