A t2 chat with Farah Khan Ali...

What would you recommend for the festive season? 
Festive jewellery should make you feel like a diva! It doesn’t have to be very big but it should be unique in design and be a conversation starter. Invest in pieces you can dress up or dress down. Take a piece from day to night by adding elements. Having said that, there is no particular look for festive jewellery. It’s how you put your whole look together, which includes everything from clothes to make-up to jewellery. Wear contrasting colours. If you are wearing a red sari, wear jewellery that is green, blue or yellow. 

What are the big trends this season? 
Design is very important and while the customer appreciates good design, they are also looking for great craftsmanship, without compromising on the comfort factor. 

What’s a classic look? 
A necklace worn with a long pair of dangling chandelier earrings, or a beautiful ring worn with a sari... something I love! I like to feel like a princess when I wear jewellery and that’s what I want my customers to feel when they wear a piece of jewellery designed by me.

How did the collaboration with Tanishq come about?
Talks for the collaboration first started in September 2013. I was asked to come on board and design a line of jewellery for them that would be appealing yet in a great price bracket. We’ve introduced trendy yet traditional products to the mass market, comparable with any international  jewellery market. 

The collection sits perfectly on the elegant Bengali woman. Like her, it’s colourful and delicate, yet makes a statement. It sits well with both western and Indian wear. I’ve also kept the jewellery light as I wanted people to wear it more often and not store it in their lockers.

Any plans for a Farah Khan Fine Jewellery store in Calcutta?
I’d would love to open a store here, either by way of franchise or my own store. I’ll most likely plan it for next year after I open my Delhi store. 

What’s the first piece of jewellery you ever designed?
It was a beautiful peridot-diamond necklace and earring set that I had designed for my sister Simone. She still gets compliments for it. 

If you had to design one signature piece for yourself, what would it be?
I love necklaces and big rings. I would design a Moulin Rouge-influenced necklace choker for myself as I have a long neck and love wearing chokers. Since I’m partial to emeralds and diamonds, that would be it. And oh, I also love turquoise and pearls, so yes, that too! 

RK