Paras and Shalini of Geisha Designs offer sundowner clothing complete with cording, macrame, as nostalgia remains their anthem for this season, creating the various elements of nature, through fabric manipulations.
By Asmita Aggarwal
Olsen twins label The Row banned phones in their showcase recently at the Paris Fashion Week 2024 show and went back in time, to an era in the 80s and 90s when photographs were released a week later.
Maybe in India no one will have the courage to take this decision, but when Paras Bairoliya is quizzed on this brave move, he admits, “Social media is about brand communication and it is essential, I agree that the lens of the smartphone camera cannot capture the sights and sounds your eyes can. But it can take your collection to millions of people through technology. Content creators every hour keep the buzz on, their feed is fresh and interesting.”
Paras and Shalini even though they have been in the fashion game of chess for the last 25 years where survival is an art, believe their biggest achievement is they have remained relevant for a younger audience too. Nostalgia is their anthem and luckily, they are excited each year to experiment with new techniques and materials. “Indian craftsmanship and global flavour have been our mantra. Plus, the concept has always been soft and romantic, we are not into conversational clothing. We service diverse markets, and carry forward the same ethos in our décor business, packaging, clothes, and luxury,” says Paras.
The scope of dressing has now expanded, there are destination weddings, thematic events, sundowners, and Geisha Designs understands the power of customization. This year at LFW X FDCI 2024, it is dressing for a sundowner, maybe not trousseau for the bride, but certainly occasion wear for the extended family complete with cocktail dresses!
The biggest trend of 2024 is people have time to think about what they want, and thus there is a rise in demand for tone-on-tone, play of texturization in their line “The Elemental Symphony”. Each element whether it is air to water has a play for dynamism with structure and fluidity, as each one has its own individuality.
Their new ways of beading make the garment look lighter than it appears, as well as fabric molding which embodies a certain sheerness, a glossy surface, looks as if molded on body forms. This concept allowed the duo freedom of expression. From pleats to tucks, making it appear as if there are ripples of water on the fabric, was an interesting expedition.
In the changing landscape of fashion there are many clients who come to Geisha Designs and ask them to convert their old brocade saris into something new, so a trench coat with quilting was executed making it red carpet ready. “These experiments with cut and fabric make our journey exciting, and keeps us on our toes,” says Paras Bairoliya.
Tulles, satins, and organza have been used for drapes-like saris, worn with jackets, chiffons have come with metallic textures, and sheer with gloss. The chiffons are layered and come with laser and 3-D printing, along with various techniques and macramé added to give it a couture feel as well as cording.
Moms are a more generous and loyal audience, Paras laughs, they are also a lot fitter and wants to make shopping an experience, plus, the confidence she comes in with is exemplary. “She is seldom influenced by her friends and buys exactly what she feels will work. But the 20-year-old is another story,” he smiles. She will jump on the next trendy label, and is a tricky customer, as her want for “new” is endless.