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Guunjan's exotica
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Here's a designer who has moved away from the straight and narrow to experiment with beads and bells
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Glitter is omnipresent in Guunjan Sandhu's creations.
ENTER ANY designer boutique and you are greeted with clothes that border on the outlandish to the dramatic. Exotic though they are, most appear to be strictly ramp-wear only. They best suit a fashion show, adorning perfect 36-24-36 bodies. As for prices, most are prohibitive.
This is an especially noticeable trend in party wear where glitter reigns, embellishing rich fabrics. As for the outfit's cut and design, an all-out effort is invested to make it exclusive, creating distinctive styles, venturing into brand-new patterns.
Designer Guunjan Sandhu employs the same richness of design, but with one significant difference. Her outfits are entirely wearable. That's not all; every one of her creations is stunning.
Of course, there is the odd one which makes you wonder if it is not made for a perfect body. But Guunjan Sandhu, the lady behind the creations has a quick solution.
"All my garments have a four-inch extra material sewn on either side to accommodate larger sizes. According to the customer's needs, they can be suitably altered," she offers.
Glitter is of course omnipresent in all her creations. But it's tastefully used to make the creations glamorous and striking. Even her loudest clothes can't be accused of being gaudy. Some of the highlights of her collection include the kurta adopting an Egyptian look when paired with beads, metal coins and zari work, all done with an antique finish. There's also an unusual poncho with a French knot and sequinned work, kaftans enhanced with shell buttons and beads, the black evening gown with a simple cut enhanced by leaves and another with kundan work, the gharara with a backless top, its beige satin silk turning into a stunner with zardosi work — these are just some of the highlights of her work that are exotic yet wearable.
"I have extra cloth for the gharara if my customer does not wish to have a backless top", says Guunjan, reiterating that her creations are for both the adventurous as well as the more conservative.
Fashion and designing have always been second nature to Guunjan who grew up watching her designer mother at work. "As a child I used to watch my mother work with silks, chiffons and beads. Designing has always been a passion with me," she states.
Her boutique houses both Indian and western wear, party as well as formal. Her bridal collection is minimal but striking. Her saris too merit a mention. Mostly twin coloured in chiffon, she sticks by trend diktats: "Orange and pink are hot this season," she declares.
One of the chiffon saris with zardosi work all over, perfected by an antique finish, appears the perfect choice both for evening wear as well as a wedding. "The antique finish tones down the intricate work, making it appropriate for evening wear, yet it is grand enough to hold its place in a wedding", contends Guunjan. For those not comfortable in wrapping the sari the right way, Guunjan has a solution: a stitched sari with fixed pleats.
Unusual designs
An odd creation with bells all over can't help capturing attention. "This is a churidhar with ghunguroo work. The chimes follow you as you walk." Of course, it depends on whether you want to sound like the proverbial elephant whose jingles precede its presence.
Her dupattas too use involved workmanship. Each one is a masterpiece with delicate cutwork and embroidery. "I have introduced stoles as they are smaller in size and easier to wear. Their small size enables the work to be displayed."
In some cases, a string of beads replaces the stoles. "The beads complement the dress and take the place of jewellery," she points out. When it comes to price, Guunjan Sandhu displays her designer credentials. Her range starts from Rs 3,900 and goes up to 25,000.
Guunjan Sandhu is located in Koramangala and can be contacted on 51101449.
NANDHINI SUNDAR
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