The Designer Magic Wand – Neeta Lulla

In almost three decades of designing and styling, ace designer Neeta Lulla has created mesmerizing creations for Bollywood, glitterati and numerous dreamy would-be-brides, the costume czarina holds a special regard in the world of fashion. For years together, Neeta has been winning awards. She has won 4 national awards for costume designing. This is not all, the supremely talented lady has also got 400 films to her credit,  besides Hollywood films and being a multiple president’s award winner. Here’s a chat with India’s foremost designer Neeta Lulla.

How does it feel to have been part of the fashion and Bollywood industry for so long?

It feels very good. Every day has brought a new dimension to work, a new learning experience and every project is a new challenge and a new high. I love being part of the industry and being able to contribute as a technician.

How did it all begin?

I got to do a project by chance for a relative who was making a film and got the opportunity to work with some of the big actors of that time my work had a new dimension and new age look and from there there was no looking back.

What have been the biggest achievements, when you look back?

The fact that I got an opportunity to work on Bollywood, Tollywood and Hollywood’s biggest projects and all got appreciated with accolades and created trends.  The fact that in the last 30 years I could work on more 300 projects.

What has been the biggest challenges?

Every project brings in challenge but the progression of challenging projects that made me feel that the current film I worked on was the biggest and I couldn’t do better and the next project being bigger and more challenging.

How has fashion evolved in India?

Through the advent of international brands and easy accessibility to ready-to-wear apparel, styling had become an integral part of fashion.

How has fashion evolved in Bollywood?

Costume design has evolved to styling on contemporary films and today project heads work with focussed technician on every aspect of films this as designers and stylists we are expected to style and give a look appeal to the entire film.

What is a Neeta Lulla bride like? Define your wearers?

A woman who believes in her individual persona, who knows her strengths and weakness and who wants a holistic look to enhance who she is. The Neeta lulla bride knows her mind. She is sensuous, feminine and elegant in her flamboyance, she wants different looks for her occasions and yet she wants them to define her. She knows she will experiment with her attire post her wedding and create contemporary coordinates. She is Indian at heart but global in her outlook.

What is your latest campaign about? Define your latest collection in depth?

Inspired from Vrindawan and Indian musical instruments, the collection themed Vrindawan symphony brings out the essence of Radha Krishna’s Romance. This bridal collection is strong in its detailing contemporary in the construction and classic with the colour scheme.

Trends in bridal-wedding attires this season?

Cuts, style, colours, silhouette!

Trends for 2017 Autumn/Winter?

• Layering of garments
• 80s glamour with necklines and sleeves. Drop waists.
• Crochet with golden lurex
• Corseted waists
• Embroidery and Lace with vintage appeal
• Metallic Shine (copper and bronze)
• Contemporary kurta cuts with pants

Thread work  and sequins

• Focusing on asymmetric cuts
• off the shoulders
• Slits up the thighs
• Quilts (quilting on printed detail lehengas)
• Matching outerwear’s
• Frills and Ruffles
• Statement Capes

Your personal style mantra? What do you like to wear at occasions, red carpet, movies, festivals, weddings etc?

Power dressing mostly black or neutral colors. Classic yet Sensuous cuts. Capes pants jackets teamed with saris or flare pants or Gowns. Lehngas are teamed to give a  vintage look.

Favorite shopping destination?

Paris or London are my favorites.

Favourite designer? Who would you like to design for or style up?

I love Alexander McQueen, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood.

Inspiration for each season, each collection?

The romance of Radha and Krishna inspires my bridal collection. My cuts are inspired from the Edwardian era, my colours from the Renaissance era and fabrics from india, be it weaves of Kanjeevaram Kalamkari Patola paithani or Benaras.

Advice and message to budding designer entrepreneurs?

Education is the foundation on which to build your creativity. Focus on your core strength and area of design and work with a commitment and dedication that will take you places.

Your take on female designers, on international platform and the ones you see on  fashion weeks in India?

They are creating the essence of women power through their creative statement.

Gender equality and women empowerment, your take?

You don’t need that to be given to you. You command it through the sheer strength of your work creativity focus and multitasking ability.

How do you manage work, career, home? Success mantras?

Organisational skills and time management always help manage them successfully.