Couture calling

The Delhi-based designer,who is known for his couture lines,is flying to Macau next week to showcase his latest collection at the IIFA fashion extravanganza. He says,“Couture is not just wedding outfits and it’s not red-carpet wear. India is the original land of couture and Indian royals like the Maharaja of Patiala and Kapurthala were among the most lavish customers of design houses like Cartier and Dior. So it’s really sad that most people in India can’t even tell the difference between prêt and couture.”

Gangwani has dubbed his latest collection ‘Serenity’ and like his previous work,this one too will be high on bling.

“Since this is for the IIFA awards,the clothes have to be very glamorous. But I’m adding a twist to that concept by focussing on colours that imply calm — like ivory and green.”

The use of green,especially,he says,is interesting because he’s using it to show envy. “The idea is that the persons wearing these outfits will inspire envy in all who see them.”

The designer has had a loyal following among Bollywood denizens like Priyanka Chopra,Preity Zinta and Soha Ali Khan. In fact,Karisma Kapur even walked the ramp for him at the HDIL Couture Week,held in Mumbai last year.

But he insists that it’s not his B-town connection that’s led to him showing his line at the IIFA this year. “I’ve had a long and productive relationship with Wizcraft,who’re organising this event. They’re always very particular about the clothes and their standards are similar to mine. And of course,since this is the IIFA’s 10th year,it’s even more of an honour for me to be showing there.”

The 30-year-old has very definite views on the influence that fashion and Bollywood have had on each other.

Decrying the tendency to look down upon Tinseltown’s sense of style,he says,“There was a time when fashion and films had nothing to do with each other. But the fact is that right now,both designers and actors need each other. Designers come up with the concept and actors make it popular.”