03 August,2014 10:48 AM IST | | Phorum Dalal
Designer Laila Singh's collection, Flight of Fantasy, inspired by the peacock feather, is made of gun metal and can be disassembled and used as smaller accessories
It was during a holiday at Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan that jewellery designer Laila Singh observed a peacock up close and personal. While the bright colours amazed her, the delicate feathers inspired her to create her latest collection, Flight of Fantasy, which will be showcased at the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week Winter 2014. Excerpts from an interview:
Model Erica Packard was the showstopper for the curtain raiser of Flight of Fantasy
Q. Tell us about the collection, Flight of Fantasy.
A. The peacock feather is majestic and soft, whimsical yet sturdy. It protects the bird, but when it fans its plumage, it looks so delicate. That's what my collection, which comprises accessories made of black diamonds, gun metal and coloured stones, is all about.
Q. What are the accessories you have created?
A. I have created arm cuffs, earrings with a caged bird, knuckle rings, ear cuffs designed as leaves and a big neckpiece with body chains.
Q. Is your collection commercially viable?
A. The pieces made for the ramp are made on a big scale, to create a drama on the ramp. But the best thing about my jewellery is that you can dismantle it. For example, elements from a neck piece can be separated and only one part of the design can be worn, the body chains can be reduced or worn as necklaces and the handcuffs can be worn as a bracelet or palm cuff or can be worn as gladiator rings. Thus, it is apt for daily wear.
Q. Where does jewellery inspired from Indian motifs stand globally?
A. Indian motifs are a big hit abroad. Designers take inspiration from the lotus, peacock feature or even the paisley mango, and give it a contemporary twist. When I was travelling in Europe, I spotted over-sized glasses in the shape of lotuses. They were so quirky!
Designer Laila Singh
Q. Compared to the drama that takes place for designers who are showcasing garments on the ramp, what has been your experience backstage with jewellery?
A. The drama never ceases to exist. With jewellery, you are never ready as you keep adding and subtracting elements from the design. I get bored with jewellery easily, which is one of the reasons I got into designing my own pieces. But I love the high you get just before the model is going to flaunt your creations. I always let the model play around with the pieces, and allow the jewellery to talk to the model. Every model adds a different attitude to the overall look.
