Shriya Som's Summer of Love

by DIMPLE SANGHANI

ACE INDIAN DESIGNER TALKS ABOUT HER FASHION IDEAS AND LATEST COLLECTION

A RAPIDLY-rising star in the fashion world, Shri­ya Som has been shining brightly and delivering sparkling creations that have lit up the wardrobes of women looking for something contemporary, yet elegant and classy.

She has dressed celebrities and regularly shows off her impressive versatility with an array of stun­ning pieces. The ace Indian designer unveiled an­other captivating collection recently and has made her outfits available in the UK via leading retailer Aashni and Co.

Eastern Eye caught up with Shriya to look at her latest collection, talk fashion and get some top tips...

What got you connected to fashion?

It was my interest in fine arts and love of New York City that brought me to apply to Parsons School of Design. Once getting there I de­cided to try out a fashion class; right after that I realised how much I love to create clothes.

How do you look back on your journey in fashion?

I always loved clothes! When I was younger I was never happy with the clothes my Barbie dolls came with. Now I think back, I’ve always had an eye and curiosity for fashion.

What has been your most memorable catwalk show?

I think it would be this past Summer Of Love collection since it was my first solo show and I got the opportunity of creating a magical space to compli­ment my clothes. It was a really amazing way to showcase the new collection.

Tell us about your latest collection...

The pieces in the collection symbolise the season of love, with flirty ruffles, gathers, tiers and tonal flora-ls in diaphanous sheer tulles and breezy silks layer-ed in cascading, asymmetric forms.

What was the biggest challenge of putting the col­lection together?

Choosing a new colour. When I’m designing I usu­ally stick to my basic colours of onion pink, off-white and light grey, but this season I decided to intro­duce yellow. To get the right shade took me a while.

How would you describe the women who wears your outfits?

The Shriya Som woman’s de jure is her free-spirited and aristocratically bohemian vibe, especially for our Summer Of Love collection

Give us a few key fashion tips for women...

Be comfortable, happy and confident in whatever you wear.

What’s the biggest fashion mistakes?

Wearing something that you are not confident or happy in. I think it very important to love what you wear and not let the dress wear you.

What advice would you give women choosing bridal outfits?

If you are a summer bride, I think colour would be one of the main things you look at! This season is all about pastels and ombré tones.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

From street fashion! I love the ideas of working that into evening wear.

Which high-profile person would you love to dress and style?

Jessica Chastain

What are the future plans for your brand?

Paris Fashion Week!

Finally, who is your fashion hero?

My mother and grandmother, who are strong inde­pendent working-women.

• The Shriya Som collection is available at www.aashniandco.com and you can follow her on Insta­gram: @shriyasom