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It's a first for the Dubai-based Indian designer Ayesha Depala. Considered to be one of the most talented contemporary Indian designers, Depala, known for her sophisticated and pastel creations, will showcase her collections on the ramp for the first time at the second edition of the Chivas Fashion Tour (CFT) on November 21 and 22 at the Park Hyatt.
Having been in the fashion circuit for more than five years, the first question that springs to our mind is what took Depala — Dubai's darling — so long to penetrate the runways in her own turf and why she chose CFT over Dubai Fashion Week?
"I did not choose Chivas Fashion Tour, Chivas chose us. And to me it all boils down to association. Even the minutest details like what the ramp looks like, who are the models that are brought in and the overall quality is important.
"If you were to ask me, Dubai Fashion Week is still immature. It needs time to grow. When it is ready for us, I will be more than happy to participate," she says.
Depala, who recently returned from India after a successful showing in Indian cities including Mumbai and Delhi, says her formula for associating with the right brands has paid rich dividends.
Interest
"After my ramp shows in India, many Bollywood actresses have shown interest in our clothes and some have even sent out feelers about walking the ramp in our creations. But to me, once again, the question of associations come in. I want to choose somebody who is intelligent, sensible and not some frivolous but beautiful woman."
A tough call, one must add, since Bollywood is not exactly flooded with cerebrally-inclined women. Depala is still in the process of hunting down a celebrity who is sophisticated, intelligent and armed with global and visual appeal. Case in point: after a lot of deliberation only two names — Nandita Das and sitar siren Anoushka Shankar — made her cut.
But apart from this blip, Depala has also been sending SOSS (Save Our Soul Sartorially) messages to many Indian celebrities. "I am in talks with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to hire me as a stylist. Consider me over-confident or ahead of myself, but I think she would benefit a lot from my help. It's a shame that when you have such a beautiful face and such global clout, that you can make so many sartorial disasters," she adds.
Bollywood in denial
Ash is not alone. Depala feels that half of the Bollywood brood need her help. "I feel many of them live in denial. Unlike the West, they are reluctant to hire a stylist. They often end up going to stores and buying things off the rack based on what they think looks good on them. I wish they would just stick to acting and leave the styling to us."
Taking the example of Nicole Richie, who bagged a Jimmy Choo campaign after roping in Hollywood's uber-stylist Rachel Zoe, Depala feels that the Bollywood celebrities should take a strand or two from their way of functioning.
"Bollywood is mostly about showbiz and the way you look even has a direct relation to how much you earn," she adds.
Straying from economics, Depala, an alumnus of the London College Of Fashion and Central St Martins, says that collections that will be showcased at the forthcoming Chivas extravaganza have been inspired by India.
"Western silhouettes that are modern and that have incorporated Indian techniques like Gotta work is the highlight. The mix of couture and evening dresses are sure to make a woman feel special."
In her dreams
Ayesha Depala would love to style and dress:
- Cate Blanchett: She is regal and beautiful.
- Charlize Theron: She is edgy yet classy.
- Anoushka Shankar: Among the Indian celebrities, I think she is beautiful and has an uncanny depth about her.
On Depala's well-dressed list:
- Priety Zinta: She gets it right most of the time.
- Jennifer Lopez: When she gets it right, she is spot on. But she is not exactly consistent.
Chivas designers
The Chivas Fashion Tour brings to its fold the crème de la crème of the fashion entourage. tabloid! caught up with some of the designers who are all set to scorch Dubai this weekend.
Anamika Khanna
- Dominant factor: "Edgy western cocktail wear/evening gowns."
- Highlights: "Expect a lot of black and white creations. My line-up is not about following trends. Also, watch out for my specially made digitised prints, fabrics and unique style of draping."
Ashish Soni
- Dominant factor: "Floral prints and it's all about light, easy wear."
- Highlights: "Pastel shades are out. I have used a strong bold palette. "For instance, I have used gold from the Marigold flower. Blues and indigos are dominant shades, too."
Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna (label: Cue)
- Dominant factor: "My collection, titled Lost In The Urban Maze, is perfect for the modern Indian woman on the go."
- Highlights: "I have been liberal with georgettes, velvets and chiffons. "Also, watch out for my linen jackets for men."
Shantanu Mehra & Nikhil Mehra
- Dominant factor: "The collection Red Earth will be rich and steeped in antiquity. Despite the opulent/vintage heritage, my pieces will be an ode to the modern and young India."
- Highlights: "Layered yet structured gowns, combined with heavy accessories."
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