Page 6 - Masala Lite Issue 165 September 2024

6 FASHION Tips:

• Understand the silhouette. Choose the right style that will complement your body
type, and high-quality fabrics that will sit well on your body.
• Use colour psychology: consider how different colours affect mood and perception,
and choose shades that complement your skin tone.

CRAFTING THE DRESS
Crafting the dress was a dance between creativity and precision. I began by choosing
a pattern that captured the essence of my design, collaborating closely with a skilled
tailor. Together, we translated the sketch into a tangible design, making careful
BY VENESA DASWANI adjustments to the fitting. The cutting and sewing process was a meticulous affair, as
each piece of fabric was carefully measured, cut, and stitched together. A challenging
point was when we tried to create the back of the dress, as the unique cut and detailing
here’s something undeniably enchanting about personalised fashion; the made it difficult to navigate sizing and fitting the dress. These intricate details, like
magic of customising an outfit lies in crafting a garment that is truly one-of-
delicate seams and perfectly-aligned motifs, required patience and attention to detail.
a-kind. I embarked on this journey to create a dress that speaks to my heritage,
craftsmanship and personal aesthetic, blending tradition with modern flair. Whether Tip: Prioritise comfort!
you’re a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the art of Indian clothing, join
me as I delve into the intricate process of designing and transforming a vision into a FINAL TOUCHES AND STYLING
reality, one thread at a time. The design was finally brought to life with carefully-placed embellishments and
thoughtful styling, including the right accessories. When the big reveal arrived, I was
INSPIRATION AND DESIGN CONCEPT thrilled that it not only reflected my personal style, but also carried the essence of
I wanted to create something that blends cultural heritage with modern design; traditional craftsmanship, making it a piece that I was proud to wear.
honouring the elegance of classic silhouettes while reflecting my own style. My
mood board was a vibrant collection of embroidery patterns, vintage motifs, and Tip: Incorporate personal touches to make it unique and one-of-a-kind.
inspirations from contemporary Indian fashion icons like Sabyasachi and Manish
Malhotra. After researching designs, I sketched out my vision – a traditional sharara
dress with a modern twist, which was challenging, as I’m not the best at drawing.
I aimed to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring the dress felt authentically
Indian while also being uniquely mine.

Tip: Start with a clear vision. Create mood boards: collect images, colours, fabric
types, etc. The final
outfit
SELECTING THE FABRIC AND MATERIAL
When customising an Indian dress from scratch, meticulously selecting the fabric
and materials is the most important part but it is also where the magic truly begins.
I prioritised texture, colour, and drape to ensure it would not only complement my
design but also feel luxurious. I went to Phahurat Market, the India Emporium, and
many more to find the perfect fabric. I opted for a rich cotton in white and turquoise
hues, knowing it would provide the perfect canvas for intricate detailing. Next came
the selection of embellishments – delicate silver embroidery with the perfect amount
of sequins. Sourcing the materials was an adventure in itself, as I scoured both local
markets and specialised boutiques. Each piece I selected played a crucial role in the
overall design.

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 165 - SEPTEMBER 2024