Pankaj and Nidhi blew their own trumpet, quite literally! With a line that would make even the God of Guitar Jimmy Page sit up and take notice. No, not just because there were musical instruments, creating melody in their signature lattice work or crewel embroidery, but because the duo takes pains over finishing each piece, giving it a distinct identity.
Maybe it has something to do with Pankaj and Nidhi working with Gudda for nine years, where he learnt the importance of finish, cutting and pattern making, or maybe it is his Army background that instilled discipline in him as a young boy. That same dedication to perfection could be seen in the way, he dexterously appliquéd jersey, that gave it a wonderful bounce. The felt and wool appliqué was done on net and so neatly that it blended magically on snug jackets, making it a winter to remember!
We dont follow any pattern or inspiration, but we like to tell a story that is new and in many ways interesting for us. So music seemed excitingviolin, guitar and piano have an amazing structural quality about them, he smiles.
The transparency of net added to the richness of colours, as they mixed baroque with Indian patterns, creating something offbeat. But if you look closely, at the pixilated ornament embroidered jacket, you are bound to notice how they strived to create synergy with two felt layers, hand sewn, then each bindi is punched by hand, to give it that final effect. It is a complex, laborious process and took us a long time to train karigars who are only familiar with zardosi, he adds, making a point to say that the entire collection is priced between Rs 7,000 to Rs 35,000.
Interestingly, even the appliqué jackets have embroidery under them, so that the motifs get accentuated. The wool cascade and quilted jackets, silk dresses and scallop appliqué had a beat of their own, as the designers who created them, gave them an unmistakable identity. And you immediately think about British songstress Adele, who had once remarked after being badgered by Karl Lagerfeld about her weight, I sing for the ears, not the eyes. Reminding you that the collection is a visual treat for lovers of fine, Indian craftsmanship.
But the high of doing a fabulous line and the bundles of praises somehow hasnt changed the duo. Fashion is a fickle industry, we live season to season. We value, values and success is transitory like all things in life, says Pankaj.