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Taking Chennai forward — fashionably
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After putting Chennai on the national fashion map last year, Rehane is all set to steal the show at the Lakme India Fashion Week this year too. T. KRITHIKA REDDY talks to the accomplished designer.
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WHEN CHENNAI'S top-notch designer Rehane arrives at her signature store on Khader Nawaz Khan Road, she does not merely arrive. SHE ARRIVES! Synonymous with fun, freedom and flamboyance, there's more fizz in her company than in a bottle of chilled cola. In sleek trousers and subtly embroidered kurta that reflect her stellar fashion sense, she is ready for a chat on the forthcoming Lakme India Fashion Week.
The only designer from Chennai to participate in the national pageant for the second time, Rehane is obviously on a high. Her's is success orchestrated from a ceaseless spirit and desire to experiment with fabrics and forms. In a typical explosion of spontaneity, she says, "It feels great to be part of a national extravaganza. Particularly, when I am one among the 50 top talents in the country. Imagine being with people with tonnes of attitude, who believe they are the best."
Incredibly articulate, she goes on, "People in the Northern metros have a mindset that Chennai is hardly a happening place. They usually associate the city with academic seriousness. To them it simply is not hip. This opinion makes it difficult for designers from here to make it to the national scene. You have to be aggressive and push your label.
"Nevertheless, there is an advantage too. Unlike designers representing Mumbai or New Delhi, there are no influences round me. So my creations stand out. After seeing my creations last year, I have been slotted in the "two designer" category this time. And that means, my clothes will have more emphasis and more time to be showcased on the ramp."
All set to propel fashion to new heights, Rehane has designed four original lines for the show scheduled for next week. In a high voltage mix of colours and effortless integration of ethnic workmanship and modern silhouettes, the designer once again proves her unlimited fashion flair. Neons, Neons On Whites, Earthy Neons With Gold and Gold... the creations make sure the parade does not become predictable. "Yes, the range is thoroughly fresh. I've used stocking fabric as accents, done hand painting on hakoba and created beautiful flowers with metal rims for embellishment."
As Rehane displays her collection of kurtis, saris and separates, it is evident that fashion to her is a journey of cheerful experimentation. The colours are vibrant, the styles echo attitude. Some of them have shock value and therein lies their appeal. "True. My designs are for those with a free spirit. For those who wish to celebrate life. Life is exuberance. My clothes are about it."
Chennai's own viva glamour spokeswoman, Rehane's is a profile in persistence. Having started as freelance designer about two decades ago, she stayed on despite "cynicism" about her chosen profession. Deep passion for her work and perseverance paid off and life just steamrolled ahead. "Success is a turn on. And greed spurs you to try harder," she says with candour. "Fashion to me is an art. A form of expression. And if you don't have the passion you just can't make it work. And hopefully my name will be etched in the annals of Indian fashion."
Spurred by success -- Rehane.
Talking about trends, she asserts, "It's towards the West. Ethnic will be limited to accents. The greatest challenge before us is to thread global fashion with Indian culture. Though pręt is holding sway, I go for a diffusion line - somewhere between haute couture and pręt." As for Chennai, "gusty cultural crosswinds are blowing. Even the average Chennai-ite has begun to think in English. It's very sad. But change seems to be the only constant factor... " Rehane adds, going into a quasi-philosophical mode.
Staying focussed, the ace designer is busy preparing for the grind at the Fashion Week. So at the moment it's all work and no play for Rehane, who simply won't rest on her laurels.
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