The festive season is around the corner and so is the hunt for the perfect outfit. The key is to find ensembles that are light on the pocket but heavy on the statement-making. Answering our not-so-subtle-prayers—designer Ridhi Mehra, who is known for her contemporary take on refined Indian dressing has joined hands with Indya, a traditional high-street brand.
Together the two labels are offering us a distinctive festive capsule collection—giving ethnic wear whimsical and modern touch. This line presents an array of dreamy silhouettes with delicate details and lush colours—equal parts playful and poised. In a quick chat with Ridhi, the designer talks to us about the challenges of walking the tightrope when it comes to making couture-style designs cost-friendly.
ELLE: How did 2 labels with completely different sensibilities come together and how challenging was the process?
RM: There were many questions as to how the process would go about. Both brands have their individual identities, with different approaches and processes. So, yes, it did take some time to come to work parallelly, but eventually, after deliberating and aligning, things worked out smoothly. We wanted to unlock the ability to deliver a collection that is outside of both brand’s typical design ideas, in a refreshing and different style and we achieved it.
ELLE: 3 ways in which this collaboration/ collection is different from the rest?
RM: 1. Use of varied thread work techniques on a myriad of silhouette types. 2. Confluence of two similar yet differently creative brands and their designs. 3. A combination of powerful and delicate.
ELLE: The hiccups you faced while designing/presenting the Ridhi Mehra X Indya collection.
RM: More of a propelling challenge I’d say—designing a collection within a certain price point whilst keeping our aesthetics intact in the collection. Also to infuse the delicate thread work into festive, light, and ready-to-wear styles.
ELLE: Two trends you think will be major this season and one piece from this collection that nails this trend.
RM: Colours—Green and fuschia. Sharara set with peplum blouse/tops, accentuated with a draped dupatta and belt. Precisely, the signature Ridhi Mehra looks embraced in Indya’s functionality.
