Bonjour,Paris

Her label,Saaj,is synonymous with creative and colourful Indianwear that does not overdo embellishments. The designer feels this style is something the European buyer will find easy to appreciate. “I am using a lot of Indian traditions such as kimkhab,chanderi,Benarasi etc. The styling will be feminine with clean lines and intricate detailing,” says Chaudhry,who is sticking to a mixed colour palette dominated by nudes and shot through with vibrant colours.

“I am designing dresses,capes,shirts and pants. My Paris collection will not feature kurtis or tunics,” points out the designer,who essentially designs for young

Indian women who have what she calls “a novel and developing fashion sense”. “My clothes are designed to highlight the beauty of the female form and accentuate the femininity of every woman who dons them,” asserts the designer,a commerce graduate from the Sri Ram College of Commerce,New Delhi.

“I have always loved to get my own designs stitched,and it took a while for my parents to understand my passion for fashion,” says Chaudhry.

September is going to be a busy month for her,because after Paris,she heads to Dubai,where she’s the only Indian designer to be part of the Middle-Eastern Fashion Week. What’s more,she will be opening the show for Britain’s most venerated designer,Vivienne Westwood.

Keeping in mind Westwood’s dramatic gowns and dresses,Chaudhry is putting together a line of maxis and dresses for the Dubai show.

“It’s a softer shade card that I am sticking to,with solid colour blocks and no prints,” she explains,adding,“I have been a big fan of Vivienne Westwood creations and it’s an honour to share a stage with her.”