Shehla Khan in a short span of time has managed to create a place for herself in the glamour industry. The designer who is known for her use of soft fabrics, beautifully crafted silhouettes and pastel hues spoke at length all about fashion. She also spoke about her two muses, Sonam K Ahuja and Karan Johar, destination weddings and her love for sarees. Read on.
You work around a lot of saris, is there a reason behind it?
I think saris are the most elegant attire for women of any race class body type or structure. According to me, it is most flattering to any shape and can be worn to any occasion as they are feminine yet sophisticated. The type of sari could depend on the occasion. I personally like to re-invent the sari in one way or another using our traditional Indian embroideries in a delicate yet contemporary way every single time.
How do you think design has evolved in India over the past few years?
There are definitely a lot of opportunities for newcomers as well as choice and range for the consumer. People in general have become more fashion conscious whether it’s following celebrities or trends or even with the introduction of international brands and publications here.
Why did you choose Sonam K Ahuja as the face of your brand?
Sonam is a dear friend and is one of the few who encouraged me to actually begin my label as I made a dress for her before I began this. I think because she has such a deep understanding and carriage of any style of clothing, she enjoys dressing up and experimenting with all kinds of ideas and she is the perfect muse for any designer. For me, when I began she was my muse because I designed my first collection keeping her in mind and she was able to understand what I wanted to put it across in the best way possible.
Which celebrity/celebrities has been the most fun to work with?
I enjoy dressing all actresses immensely. Making people look beautiful gives me immeasurable pleasure.
Three current raging trends that every girl must follow/possess?
I don’t feel anyone should be a slave to trends unless it’s something they really love or enjoy wearing. However, large prints, statement accessories as well as bright and neon colors are something I believe can be universally used in anyone’s wardrobe. An addition of bling in either clothing or accessories be it metallic fabrics or sequins and stones.
What is that one common thread in a Shehla Khan's outfit?
Lace and more lace. If not the actual fabric then either a design or inspiration exists in every collection - no matter what the silhouette is.
Will we be seeing you tapping fully into menswear? If yes then who’d your muse be?
I have already tapped into Menswear and my first muse who I continue and enjoy to dress is Karan Johar.
Destination weddings have become the latest cool - what would you suggest should guests carry without paying excess baggage?
There’s no reason to pay excess baggage for a wedding especially if it’s destination! Today Indian wear is also all about being comfortable and easy. I can understand women need options but then going with what makes you feel most comfortable and beautiful and sexy is what always works.
Did you zero down on the theme Destination weddings to be your next theme?
Destination weddings is not exactly the theme my collection, it is merely a capsule line which is for destination weddings by the name of 'Cherie’. This means sweetheart in literal translation. I chose this theme because when I was thinking of the collection I wanted it to be easy to wear and carry off for destination weddings as well as summer weddings but also have a feel of chic and sophisticated elements.
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