Natasha Dalal needs no introduction, but what you really need to know is, that she is a creative soul who has marked her presence with peculiar design aesthetics and fashion sensibilities. Natasha Dalal is a well-known Indian designer, who recently tied the knot with Varun Dhawan. She is internationally acclaimed for creating elegant & present-day wedding wear for brides with a vision to look traditional 
and modern at the same time. She has recently launched her new collection “Into the light” and you will be surprised to know that she even designed her own wedding outfit. In a conversation with TMM, she talks about her love for designing and more.
How and when fashion designing happen to you?
Designing and I go long back, it is something I resonate with and I am passionate about. Throughout my school and college days, I’ve doodled dresses on all my notes! So I’ve always known this was something I’m interested in. After graduating from fashion school in New York, I came back and started my own label in 2013 and continue to pursue my passion forever!
Tell us a bit about your latest collection Into the Light.
The year 2020 brought about so many revelations and the greatest one for most of us is appreciating things we will never again take for granted- freedom, touch and most of all to be outdoors and experience all that the world has to offer. My collection “Into the light’ is inspired and designed keeping the outdoors and freedom in mind. The collection focuses on and is designed to emerging like a liberated butterfly and moving forward with positivity into the light.
When it comes to designing a collection, what inspires you, and what all factors you keep in mind?
Well, foremost is the brand identity. Indian traditional clothes from every part of our country are so beautiful, from Chikankari of the north to the Kanjivaram of the 
south. What I try to do is take elements from every part of India and add a more contemporary spin to it. The main aim is to create something that transcends time and is an everlasting investment in one’s wardrobe. The colour palette is a mix of pastel and jewel tones. Really intricate, subtle but statement embroideries which are a mix of multiple styles and materials to create classic ensembles that are fit for many different occasions.
Natasha Dalal – My inspiration comes from different experiences and stages in my life from trips, books I’ve read, and even movies. I’m always inspired by nature, flora & fauna, impressionist paintings, the stunning underwater world, animals, cities like Florence, Jaipur, Goa, New York. Sometimes something as simple as a picturesque sunset, an art deco building or even an interesting photograph can spark inspiration.
You designed your wedding outfit too. Tell us about the thought process behind it, how much time it took, and what was so special about it?
For the wedding ceremony and dinner, I designed a light gold tulle Lehenga which was inspired by one of my favourite design styles of the 20’s Art deco. The design details were geometric and abstract floral. It had two dupattas, one-floor length head dupatta with abstract floral delicate details and another draped dupatta with geometric triangular motifs. My favourite detail from this outfit was the back of the blouse, it was a cut out back mimicking butterflies wings and the shape was again a nod to the deco era.
Varun is quite fashionable as an actor. Do you have any plans to come up with a men’s line or have you designed anything for him till date?
I agree, Varun does have an amazing taste bu
t I haven’t thought about menswear yet. Maybe sometime in near future.
In India, designers dream to present their work at FDCI or Lakme Fashion Week. Do you have any plans for the same?
Yes, would love to make it happen! The past year has been tough for everyone and I would have liked to present then but as soon as things are better it is definitely a goal.
What are your future plans for the brand?
Future plan is to start a prêt collection for more relaxed formal wear and hopefully, one day resort wear too!
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