Aamna Sharif in a Shaina NC drape

Shaina NC will be back in town this weekend. After a gap of five years, the sari specialist is travelling with an exhibition to Calcutta — “a market that you can no longer ignore”. t2 caught up with the Mumbai-based designer for a quick chat...

You’re coming to Calcutta after so long…

Yes, and I am really looking forward to my trip. My exhibition will be held at 85 Lansdowne on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The collection is typically Shaina NC — concept saris, detachable borders, interesting drapes and pre-pleated pieces — all in a heady mix of colours.

Fashion designer and BJP spokesperson for Maharashtra. How? Why?

I joined politics three years ago and people who know me weren’t surprised at all. I studied political science and law and it was all sorted out from the beginning. Fashion is my profession, my bread and butter, and politics is my passion. The NC in my name can also be interpreted as Non Corruptible! When I joined the party in 2004, I was not interested in just a fancy stint. I fought elections within a week of joining and since then my focus has been to make a tangible difference to society. I also work with Cancer Patients Aid Association and always try to merge fashion with a cause. It’s also true that most men come to ogle at women during fashion shows, but even if five per cent go back home with a message, I feel that my mission is accomplished.

So you must have an amazing time-management secret?

Oh yes. There are millions of things that need to be done every day. My advice to all of you who want to manage time effectively is to segregate what you want to do. Surely there will be constant guilt about not giving enough time to family, but once you fix your priorities and balance your routine, everything will fall into place.

Coming back to fashion, one school of thought feels that saris have hit a slump…

According to me, it’s all about a mindset. Yes, there are some people who think wearing saris is cumbersome but for them too there is a solution — wear a pre-pleated sari! Saris are forever fashionable. But it’s sad when it takes a Liz Hurley to wear a Jaipur bandhni to remind us exactly how stunning a sari really is.

Which saris are must-haves for a young woman’s wardrobe?

A black chiffon sari is the ultimate in seduction. Wear it with any accessory and it looks beautiful. A woman must also have a Benarasi weave for traditional functions. The third must-have is a line of simple cotton saris. Dress them up with chunky silver jewellery. Every girl must also possess a few embroidered saris, threadwork or sequins. But make sure they are lightweight and easy to handle. Always pay special attention to sari blouses. Make them fun, interesting and well fitted.

Handling a sari is another battle that our generation is fighting. Any expert tips?

• Here are some pointers that will ensure a non-clumsy sari stint:
  
• Make sure the pleats are well-fixed.
  
• Stay away from satin petticoats. Stick to lizzy-bizzy (cotton).
  
• Fall on saris are passe. Most modern saris don’t need a fall. The border is heavy enough.

Which celeb do you think looks best in a sari? Tell t2@abpmail.com