Desert Storm

The designer’s last outing was at the Rajasthan Fashion Week held in May and Wirk admits that she came back “mesmerised” by the art and architecture of the state. “The vibrant colours of the marble inlay work and the architecture of Jaipur set the tone for the collection that I have brought to Chandigarh,” said Wirk,about the ornate collection on the racks.

For someone who loves to experiment with colours,Wirk lavishes this collection,too,with a delicious deep-toned colour palette. That and her penchant for contemporary cuts and styling are conspicuous. “It’s essentially a couture collection targeted at the festive and bridal season ahead,” said Wirk. The line featuring layered anarkalis,structured saris and gown-like lehengas with delicate resham embroidery and embellishments are the highlights. “I have used stonework but it’s all embedded in the design. I was inspired by marble inlay work for this,” said Wirk,who has also used the cutwork technique to highlight various facets in her garments,with motifs such as peacocks and parrots a common feature.

“I like making Indian clothes glamourous by styling them in a contemporary way,” said the designer. Her structured saris and blouses have an unmistakable sexy edginess. “When I am designing an outfit,I give considerable thought to the back of the garment. I like playing it up and give it special attention,” the designer says with a smile. Working with a smorgasbord of fabrics — there’s everything from chiffons to georgette to silk and tulle — Wirk has experimented with the bottom half of the garment as well. “Draped salwars and panelled palazzos look trendy and give brides the option to wear different silhouettes,” said Wirk who lists mustard,lemon,coral and teal as the colours to sport this autumn-winter.

After Chandigarh,Wirk will take her collection to Mumbai. “I am also gearing up for Spring-Summer ’14 that I will showcase at Wills India Fashion Week in a few months from now,” she says.