A 23-year-old local fashion graduate is determined to create a fusion look which incorporates the tie-and-dye elements into chic western wear
Roopali Shah
Roopali Shah is a Bengalurean on a unique mission. Not only does she have her own studio, but this graduate of the Vogue Institiute of Fashion Technology is steady in the singular task of trying to give a desi touch to western wear by incorporating the tie-and-dye art of bandhni. If you are wondering how on earth no one in the country thought of that before, then this city fashion thinker has the answer to that as well.
“We are accustomed to paying a great deal of money for quality western wear. People think tie-and-dye is just about having two to three colours as a spiral technique on a few outfits for festival wear. What they do not realise is that even in tie and dye there are so many techniques like ombre, sunburst, shibori etc. I have used these techniques in my latest collection called Corante which means ‘dyeing of cloth’. I make gowns, summer dresses and all sorts of festival wear – keeping in mind the fact that it is India we are portraying,” says the woman who revels in her plus size and aims to make women feel comfortable in their skin and clothing.
“It all began as a dream. I was the silent kid in school and now I am the one who leads discussions. So I named my studio Khwaab. My days are filled with work, designing, getting smiles from customers and a fair bit of their complaints too. Through all of this, I have been lucky to be helped along by my best friend and business guide, Ashish Rakecha,” says Roopali who would love nothing more than to dress Dakota Johnson and Sonam Kapoor. Her first collection was showcased at a fashion fiesta recently and received rave reviews.
“I have received immense support from my family – we are a typical Gujarati household. So as the eldest child, I am pampered and held responsible in equal measure. My biggest inspiration would be the women in my family who love getting dressed up and seeing them dressed so differently on each and every occasion triggered my decision to go into the field of fashion,” Roopali laughs. She has now began making handbags, tiaras and custom jewellery – all channeling the ethos of the bandhni.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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