My collection signifies beauty, feminine sensuality and inner strength: Neeta Lulla
Mumbai: Her work depicts life and style. She is Bollywood’s favourite designer and has bagged many prestigious awards for her contribution to the craft. Neeta Lulla is one of India’s foremost designers. From celluloid to the red-carpets, her work has dazzled with the stars.
In a career spanning over two decades, Neeta knows exactly what a woman wants and knows how to deliver in style. It is safe to say that everything she touches, she turns it into a masterpiece.
Neeta is a pioneer of resort wear in India and in the third season of India Beach Fashion Week, she showcased her alluring collection which was inspired by the Chinese flowers- cherry blossom and osmanthus.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection at Beach Fashion Week)
The designer is famous for her meticulous eye for detail and the research she puts in, before starting work on her designs. Her expertise in embellishments and prints gives her an edge above the rest. Weather it is her embroidered lehengas for blushing brides to be, or her chic casual attire with capes, she can do no wrong. Her fans love her collections that beautifully entwine old-school grandeur with a modern twist.
With more than 375 movies to her credit and several national awards in her kitty, she has done it all.
We got in touch with Neeta Lulla and got chatty about her latest collection, the inspiration behind her creations and her efforts to piece together the puzzles of the ever growing fashion industry in India.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection at India Beach Fashion Week)
Your latest collection at IBFW was inspired from oriental flowers, tell us more about it.
The oriental flowers have always signified many moods and facets of colour schemes and inspirations. My collection this season signifies beauty, feminine sensuality and inner strength, which are the core facets that women today exude with their vibrant personas. The Osmanthus is a traditional symbol of love and romance which is an imperative component in a women’s essence and the cherry blossom is a symbol of feminine passion inner strength and power... This inspired me.
Beach and resort wear have become quite popular in India, what would you say about it?
I could easily say that I was one of the first to do a dedicated Resort Wear Bridal line in 2007 when suddenly weddings in different exotic locations emerged as a trend and today pretty much every wedding is at a different destination this is because of the growing need of the bride and groom to also enjoy the most special day of their lives with their closest friends and relatives rather than it being a big event with numerous people they don't know.. Also exotic locales create a magical ambience for this special day.
When did you realise that you wanted to become a costume designer?
My foray into the fashion field was to become a fashion choreographer for the longest time. I did not realise this was my calling till almost 4 years later when a lot of films and bridal trousseau were a part of my career.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection India Beach Fashion Week)
What would you tell people who aspire to become an ace designer like yourself?
Education is the foundation of your career. Focus gives it perspective, dedication and commitment will take you where you want to be.
Can you name one fabric that’s your all time favourite and why?
Georgette, as I love its fluidity, drama and quality.
You have designed costumes for more than 375 films and have won multiple president awards. Did you ever think you would become such a big name in the industry?
No I would never have dreamt of it. It all fell into place because of the support I got from my family and by the grace of God.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection at India Beach Fashion Week)
You once said that the fashion industry is crazy. Has your idea of the same changed over the years?
It is like jigsaw puzzles with so many avenues and creative outlets and amazing sensibilities that are beyond ones imagination.
You supported the Make In Maharashtra campaign and launched your Paithani line. Tell us more about it.
Make In Maharashtra campaign was a part of the Make in India initiative, and as a designer, I like to work with heritage fabrics and contemporize it to create an indo western statement that could reach a larger audience and be accepted globally.
Why did you pick the theme #SheIsMe for Lakhme Fashion Week 2016?
Because I want every woman to identify and support her colleague or contemporary who could be going through abuse and trauma. I want to empower her to help fight this evil, as she would for herself.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection at India Beach Fashion Week)
How do you think the fashion industry has evolved overtime?
Our industry is accepted and has evolved on a global platform with a reach that spans over various countries. Trends that come out of India, like kurtis, hand woven fabrics like Inkatha, and vibrant Indian colors are becoming a fashion trend. Technology and advances craft of design have come to the forefront in the fashion industry.
Designers who inspire you
Azzadine Alia.
Who do you think are best dressed actors in the industry at present?
Sonam kapoor.
(Photo: Neeta Lulla's collection at India Beach Fashion Week)
Tell us about your next collection
From India with love and a heart of Indian heritage that will appeal to the contemporary consumer
You have done almost everything….. What’s your next plan?
A: Too much to do and too little time... A lot on the platter and God has been kind.
