Nachiket Barve's new collection 'Lightness of Being' is effortless with festive cheer. The designer decoded the collection for t2.
How was 'Lightness of Being' conceptualised?
'Lightness of Being' started as a design solution, bringing ease, comfort and beauty to festive wear for the upcoming season. I wanted to bring weightlessness, timelessness and exquisite craftsmanship to this collection where the pieces are beautiful to wear today and forever.
All the pieces look easy-breezy...
The idea of women (or men) having to bear discomfort for the sake of formal dressing is ridiculous today. These are clothes designed to be worn with great comfort and also be super convenient to travel with for destination events. There’s also an element of mix-and-match to some of the pieces where you can restyle and wear them in newer ways again.
What does festive dressing comprise for you?
Festive dressing for me is really all about expressing joy! Dressing up for occasions to make amazing memories that last a lifetime. The colours, surfaces, silhouettes and fabrics should be super high quality and should be really flattering to the wearer. I always tell my clients, 'You should look amazing in the outfit, not only that the outfit should look amazing'. The festive capsule should be something that you treasure and revisit over the years. Of course, the fact that it looks amazing in photos is a bonus for the Instagram generation today.
In the last three years, how people look at life has dramatically changed and every day is a celebration. How do you see people consuming clothes now?
Truly, the last three years have made people cherish everyday joys more and festive occasions. There’s no sense of taking things for granted, so everyone wants to dress up for events and occasions. They want ease, striking style and modernity in their clothes. 'Lightness of Being' caters to this audience who appreciates the beauty of the handmade and artisanal craftsmanship, clothes that are lavished with intricate detailing and yet feel free and weightless.
What are your top day looks for morning festivities?
A kurta and gharara set with intricate pearl embroidery, a pastel mint sari with bouquets of floral details and an intricately embroidered blush lehnga for the ethereal bride.
And, for the evening?
A siren-red draped sari with a shimmering 3D applique blouse, a jacket set with a waistcoat and sharara and a cream and ivory cape lehnga set with pearl embellishments.
Give our men some tips too!
We have done a larger men’s collection this season and my tips for men are about embracing your own style and highlighting your best features. Whether it’s a classic bundi kurta set for a lighter function or a sharp sherwani as a groomsman or even a dapper bandhgala look for a cocktail, the outfit should look sharp and tailored for you. Luxe fabrics, great fit and impeccable grooming is all it takes.
What are your tips for the brides this season?
It’s absolutely fantastic how individual and personalised bridal looks have become. The old rules are debunked and brides can be anything they want to be… bold, demure, traditional, boho or modern. I suggest brides should pick what works for them and the event they have planned. Experiment with colours and fit and choose the best craftsmanship your budget allows. Don’t be afraid to ask for customisation. And, most importantly, don’t try to replicate someone else’s look on you.
I really feel it’s vital to curate your bridal look to amalgamate your personality and the vision of the designer you choose to dress you. It’s an incredibly rewarding process for me to style my brides for the wedding in a way that makes them look their best.
What are festive times for you?
Festive times for me are all about family, friends, flowers, food, fashion and that lingering feeling of joy that outlives the event. It’s about the timeless memories created and the joy of dressing up to look my best.
Finally, is there a personality who spells 'festive'?
On the contrary, I feel all of us have enough festive spirit in us when we let go and enjoy the moment. The cumulative joy of everyone is what adds that intangible spark in the air around festive occasions.
