Bringing on the bling

Nishara Kiran never really set out to be a designer. But her transition from a student of microbiology to a fulltime designer was effortless as she always had a passion for styling and designing.

She may not have completed a course in fashion designing but her creations are sought after not only among young women but also by celebrities.

Her imagination and design philosophy is evident in each of her creations. "For designing 'lehengas', I always prefer to work with zardosi because it gives the garment a rich look. I think gowns look best when designed in lace. But
I keep experimenting to give every garment a twist," says Nishara.

She sometimes mixes bling with lace to make gowns. She adds that she makes sure every garment has a different character to it. "I add layers to A-line dresses and sometimes add ruffles to pallazos. These additions give the garment a unique style and these are trending right now," adds Nishara.

The young designer observes that women like deconstructed clothes and don't want to pick up anything that is predictable. "Today, women like wearing an outfit in different ways. Droops over one's shoulder, bodysuits and gowns are fast-moving," she says. Most of her collections are designed in blue, purple, wine red.

"I don't think that only a heavily embroidered outfit looks good. I like to keep my designs simple, straight yet attractive. I believe that less is more," she says. She also adds that she lays a lot of emphasis on the way the neckline and sleeves are designed. "These two aspects play a major role in enhancing the look of the outfit," she adds. Nishara points out that when it comes to accessories she likes to keep it simple.

"I don't think anything should be done in excess. The makeup and accessories must always blend with the outfit. One must attempt to make one's own style statement with their choice of accessories," she says.

Aafreen K, a student of NIFT wore a red embroidered gown.
Punchline: "I like the way the gown flows and fits well. The lace combined with embroidery, gives the outfit a rich look. It is perfect for a grand occasion."
Price: Gown (Rs 20,000)

Tripti Thimmaiah, a student of Mount Carmel College, wore a gold sequined top and paired it with wine red palazzos.

Punchline: "I like all my outfits to have a bit of bling. I find the contrast attractive."
Price: Top (Rs 1,800) and palazzos (Rs 1, 200).

Sana Q, a student of Garden City College wore a blue gown made from organza.
Punchline: "I find the metal-studded belt a perfect contrast to the blue gown."
Price: Gown (Rs 6,000)

Kashmira H V, a student of St Joseph's College of Commerce, slipped into a yellow ochre A-line dress.

Punchline: "I like this outfit because of the way it is designed. Layering on A-line dresses is a new trend. I like the dress because it is simple yet elegant."
Price: Dress (Rs 6,000)

Madhavi Singh from of Jain College, chose to wear an off-shoulder top with black pants and complemented the outfit with a suede jacket.

Punchline: "The outfit is elegant and just perfect for the winter."
Price: Black pants (Rs 2,400), top (Rs 1, 500) and jacket (Rs 4,200).

Trupti Patil, a student of MVJ College of Engineering wore a purple gown made from satin.

Punchline: "The outfit looks grand and it will look impressive when accessorised well. It is apt for a red carpet event. "
Price: Gown (Rs 10,000)