Style Statement

For many years now,this homegrown designer has been diligently putting together trendy apparel that’s found its way in high-end stores across the country. Be it ‘Aza’ in Mumbai and Delhi or ‘Kali’ in Kolkata or ‘Anantam’ in Delhi,Pratibha Mahajan Sahi has been places,fashionable ones at that. Always one to make a style statement,she “fine-tuned” her skills at the Pearl Academy of Fashion in Delhi and even went on to work with celebrated designer Anju Modi. “It was a great experience all the way but I always wanted to step out on my own,” smiles the immaculately attired designer as she formally introduced us to her all-new store ‘Omana’ in Sector 21. The name stands for an ‘ode to a woman’ and going by Pratibha’s expertise in Indian womenswear,it’s aptly titled.

Interestingly,Pratibha who recently shifted home to Gurgaon where she’s married,chose Chandigarh for her store. “Strangely,when I was putting together my trousseau,I had to constantly drive down to Delhi for shopping sprees. The city disappointed me when it came to designer picks,” shares the lady who decided to take matters in her own hands. Ably supported by her brother Vikram Mahajan,the two got ‘Omana’ rolling. “I have my own space as well as workers’ unit here,” she mentioned as we eyed the collection for the season on the shelves.

From pretty Anarkali-style suits with lycra churidaars to dressier sarees,Pratibha’s line-up stands out for its out of the box styling. “I work a lot with old zari and brocade saree borders but team it in a contemporary way,” tells the designer who also has a unique collection of digital print suits that highlight bejewelled-look necklines and hems. Another of her specialities include the ‘half and half’ sarees. “Essentially,I design sarees using two fabrics like velvet and shimmer. While one half will be velvet,the one that ends at the pallu will be shimmer,” explains Pratibha who is working on trousseau wear that’s both traditional and contemporary down to the lehenga as well. Also on offer are a range of designer pre-styled,unstitched suits as well as a collection of clutches. Conscious of budgets,the collection at Omana is comfortably priced between Rs 1,000 to Rs 15,000.