Fire n Ice

By Neehar Mishra

Photography: courtesy the designer

‘Ethnic-chic’ best describes Tanya Sharma’s pulsating designs, as she reinterprets individual existing trends and gives them new dimensions.

Vivacious, dynamic, a mélange of traditional Indian textiles, embroidery and contemporary style; a delicate, yet funky brew of colours that simultaneously clash and blend; throwing you off guard yet flirting with the wannabe in you - defines Tanya Sharma’s signature style.

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An alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai, this budding designer, hailing from Chandigarh, launched her fashion label, ‘Gaga’, in the summer of 2008. Currently, her line of women’s wear is making waves at the Lakme Fashion Week, 2012, where her collection leaves one stoned and intrigued, all at the same time.

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Describing her trademark style, Tanya says, “Gaga’s main focus is to let the lush and lively spirit of colour spread the message of love and happiness. My designs evoke the sensibilities of the avant-garde and the sublime.”

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This season, Tanya brings a unique street wear interpretation of the classic achkan and the tuxedo. Her silhouettes are a mix of menswear, clubbed with traditional Indian wear.

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Designs like the tuxedo sari, the achkan kaftan seek to redefine the conservative formal look into a transcendental space more reminiscent of contemporary aesthetics. She highlights the Indian aspect of her designs through the use of Indian fabrics and embroideries like silk ikat, net chikankari embroidery, georgette with vintage kasab and sequins embroidery. The colour palette for this very intense and modern collection includes mustard, royal blue, peach and a generous streak of fluorescent pink. 

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Tanya swears by ethnic, when it comes to designing her products and speaks of being deeply inspired by the rich diversity of India’s plethora of cultures, vibrant colours and its earthy core. With Indian favourites like Sabayasachi, Kallol Dutta and Manish Arora, the young designer finds international brilliance in Gareth Pugh, Prabal Gurung, Rick Owens and Proenza Schouler.

Way to go gal!