OHAILA KHAN'S TIMELESS COUTURE

Contemporary designs and painstaking, rich craftsmanship defines designer Ohaila Khan’s creations for the new season.

From tips on buying occasion-wear virtually to building a sustainable wardrobe, in a free-wheeling conversation with Grazia designer Ohaila Khan reflects on the positive impact which the new normal has enforced. Edited excerpts from the interview below:

GRAZIA: Where did you draw inspiration for your latest collection?

OHALIA KHAN (OK): This collection was born with an aim to bridge the gap between the East and the West. I noticed a monotony in the occasion-wear market, where most brands were harping on designs that were inspired by Indian heritage. I felt the consumers need a change from it and hence I decided to take a fresh and modern approach. While staying true to the brand’s signature style, we developed a contemporary embroidery technique and designed modern silhouettes. For instance, one can see the folds of a wild mushroom translated into dramatic ruffles and pleats and the abstract patterns in the surface embellishments in this couture collection.

G: Could you describe what silhouettes, colour palette and embroidery techniques employed in your latest collection?

OK: Our Paris Fashion Week collection, which is our most recent work, features pastel hues and jewel tones. The clothes are an amalgamation of European and Middle Eastern aesthetics. We usually tend to employ multiple hand-beading techniques in each garment. For instance, we’ve used a combination of embellishment techniques like appliqué coupled with thread work, fabric manipulation and encrusted sparkling crystals with hand-cut sequins in our garments this season.