Mandira Wirk walks the right rope as she offers diaphanous drapes, concept saris and constructed jackets, this autumn-winter 2016 with just a hint of sexy!

By Asmita Aggarwal

Known for her delicate embroideries and understanding of construction, Mandira Wirk has over the years attempted to infuse glamour with functionality in her offerings. Showing at AIFW’16, she admits that today women are bold and not afraid; they speak what they believe in. “If you relish uncomplicated garments, then designer Mandira Wirk’s collection is a must-have in your wardrobe,” she adds.

The garments are easy-to-wear as most come armed with zippers on the sides, on the sleeves, and at the back. Plus, they are lightweight, making them uncomplicated. “We have beautifully styled soft drapes with ingenious necklines and sleeves cutout in a way that makes a woman look curvaceous.

We are also known for our differently styled backs,” she adds.

Interestingly, Mandira admits that women are increasingly opting for gowns as more than anything they add a feeling of opulence to your personality. “My label has evolved over the years as a brand with an exquisite sense of magnificence, modernism and romanticism. It is a symbol of subtlety, timeless effort of creativity and moreover it is sensual yet not provocative,” she explains.

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With every passing year, the market changes manifolds and new innovations come into play. And to keep up with the market you have to keep evolving. It is very important to reshape yourself to mature designs and adapt new patterns and silhouettes. Also, when the prices soar the biggest challenge is to maintain a constant cost which has been Mandira’s mantra.

“Our brand has always been able to stick to its affordable prices making it conveniently available to the costumers,” she confesses.

Her autumn-winter line has a definite sensual undertone, but at no point, does it become over dramatic. Timeless, soft and understated are the keywords for this collection. “The fluidity of thought that characterised the Rococo movement gets a nod through  diaphanous drapes. There is a great focus on versatile silhouettes, lightweight fabrics, flattering cuts and generous layering. The entire collection has been created in a palette of ivory and gold, black and beige along tones such as grey, maroon, pink, blue and red. Soft ombre ensembles make an appearance as well. Bling is conspicuous by its absence,” she says.

With a worldwide movement where most designers are empowering women through easy silhouettes and relaxed allure, Mandira says that there’s an air about a strong woman which is undeniably attractive and has a lot to do with appearance. Empowered women love themselves. They appreciate their bodies and style. “We are known for constructed jackets which are beautifully structured, they automatically give a feeling of empowerment,” she explains.

Hoping to take her label to the next level, she adds that her clothes have the simplicity of a genius, with attention to meticulous detail. “We specialise in diaphanous drapes, concept saris and constructed jackets. Our inspiration has always been more from art and architecture. A clear thought process goes into our artwork to derive a silhouette, which is beautifully adorned with detailed intricacy. We are a fusion of artwork of architecture with the softness of drapes,” she says.

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From inheriting the architectural inspiration to creating minutely detailed artworks, a lot of cogitation goes into the process, keeping the brand identity intact. “But I also want to diversify. Being a designer one thinks of doing so many other things because to ‘create’, is to take what we know to the unknown. To start with, I have done a few houses. So I would also like to expand into a home décor line and explore wedding décor,” she says.

She adds, “My brand received recognition in many parts of the world, including fashion capitals like New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and London. We would love to explore more international markets in the future.”

Click here to watch #MandiraWirk at #AIFWAW16