With Lakme Fashion Week just around the corner, The GUIDE caught up with Pune-based designer Karishma Shahani Khan who will showcase her collection Katha at the event
City-based designer Karishma Shahani Khan is a fashion graduate from the prestigious London College of Fashion, and believes in keeping everything organic, real and vivid. Her collection for the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) 2013 embodies these sentiments. Crafted to tell a story, her collection Katha will display an exquisite amalgamation of characters, fabrics and colours. Inspired by the epic Ramayana, this collection takes its shape from visions of beauty and unmatched grandeur.
ADVERTISEMENT
In Katha, Khan has used the epic and its analogies to good effect. With a focus on surface textiles, the collection reflects characters, weaponry, royal adornments, animals, processions and other elements reminiscent of the era. Immaculately hand-drawn illustrations adorn the garments through hand-embroidery and printing techniques. Colours resonate jewel tones and include a hand-dyed summer colour palette.
Speaking about LFW, Khan says, “It is a veritable talent box and there is a variety of young designers showcasing their works this season.” She adds that fashion in the city has seen a slow and steady change. “The key is to educate people with regards to fashion. The lines between a design label and a tailoring unit get extremely blurred at times, which isn’t a supportive environment for creativity.
Pune looks very often at only established labels as a point of fashion reference but now a lot more young designers and apparel-related entrepreneurs are setting up base in the city instead of moving out which will ensure a steady change eventually.”
Her fashion tips for youngsters include going by what they think is best suited for their body. “Fashion and clothing are very subjective and stand as a point of reference of your personality or outlook. Choose styles and colours that suit you and not just because they are ‘in’. Most importantly, have fun with fashion. Play with separates and learn to upcycle pieces of clothing and accessories.”
What’s Hot: The colour green is trending as are prints, denims and natural fabric.
What’s Not: Since its summer velvet or anything heavy duty is out. u00a0