From Bisleri to bracelets

Nothing is as it appears with Diana Linda. She looks at a disposable plastic bottle and creates a trendy bangle, looks at zari and whips up shoes. We're still trying to spot that elephant she sees in the clouds

Nothing is as it appears with Diana Linda. She looks at a disposable plastic bottle and creates a trendy bangle, looks at zari and whips up shoes. We're still trying to spot that elephant she sees in the clouds

Philosophy student-turned-fashion designer, Diana Linda came to Mumbai nine years ago when she was volunteering for Doctors Without Borders, a medical NGO, on a short visit and ended up making it her home. Originally from Italy, she says, "I don't get cheated by autorickshaws anymore, I am a full Mumbaikar now."

Not only has she gained the trust of the auto drivers, but she's also set up shack and shop in Mumbai. From her Juhu apartment, which doubles up as her studio, she spends her time working on new ways to wear old clothes.
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Diana Linda, through a bangle made from melted plastic bottles and flanked by her pop art bags. PIC/ SATYAJIT RANE

So from philosophy to social work and then fashion? Linda puts our questions to rest by explaining, "I started out when I was in college in Belgium, where I studied philosophy. I used to make my own clothes and accessories, but it was more of a hobby. When I came to India, some friends asked me to make some accessories for them as well. That's how I got started."

She uses plastic bottles to make bangles, zari to make sandals and papier m ufffdch ufffd to make necklaces, all available at Sakpal, in Khar, where she retails. "I try to use everyday objects around me and see if I can transform them into something else," says Linda. One look at the kitschy bracelet she's made from a melted plastic bottle, and you know she walks the talk.

Linda is also affiliated with the NGO project Damini by the Ojus Medical Institute that works with women from slum areas, teaching them a trade like tailoring and making handicraft. "They are extremely talented so it isu00a0 easy to work with them. They help me with bulk orders and a part of the earnings go into helping them out," says Linda.

Linda uses several scenes from Mumbai and Hindi cinema as inspiration for her work. "I love the styles in Mumbai, I like to use Bollywood prints on my bags and Indian motifs in my dresses," she concludes.
Her clutches display a collage of all her influences, so you'll find Madhubala next to Marilyn Monroe and Dev Anand next to James Dean.

At: Sakpal, Union Park, Khar (40113000), You, 2 Cornelian, 104 August Kranti Marg, Kemps

Sari-dress

Linda is so taken in with the idea of fusing styles that it led her to create a cross between a dress and a sari. She says, "Every time I try it out, I come up with more ways to wear it. But I want people to try coming up with their own ways and have fun wearing it." So, if you aren't sure about sporting a casual look or an ethnic one, this is the solution. Now, the only question is, what shoes should you wear with it?

Getting jiggy with it

There is a peacock hiding in your bangles but you'll have to take a closer look. The children at NGO Akanksha have gotten arty with jigsaw bangles that will keep you entertained and dressed up at the same time.

Individually they look like any other wooden bangle but put together, the pieces to reveal a secret scene painted on them. Priced at Rs 750 for a set of three, the bangles come with images of pretty flowers and cute little animals hiding from plain sight. We like, a lot.

At: The Akanksha Shop, 8 B, Poonam Chambers, Shiv Sagar Estate, Annie Besant Road, Worli
Call: 23700253