Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Colour and creativity

Past meets the present in jewellery designer Roopa Vohra's collection that's showcased in the city

ECLECTIC COLLECTION Roopa Vohra's creations

There's a natural fluidity about the designs of Roopa Vohra. Fashionable danglers with traditional teardrops, chunky chandeliers that are surprisingly light, neckpieces with an unusual combination of stones, Thewa work on onyx... each creation is a true expression of the designer's modern sensibility and respect for traditional craftsmanship.

In Chennai with an exhibition of her `Timeless Classics' line, the Mumbai-based designer says, "This time, there's a lot more colour. Thankfully, the value of coloured stones is being recognised in recent times. There's so much design potential with these stones. Moreover, they are cut in an unusual fashion... the way diamonds are cut. This way, the look is beautiful and contemporary. Nature, architecture, royalty and designs of the past have inspired this eclectic collection."

Subtle, yet dramatic

While the play of colour is subtle in some of Roopa's works (she has combined yellow sapphire of varied shades), in others it's dramatic (imagine mixing luscious pink and flaming orange!). "Customers have an open mind and are adventurous when it comes to design. My creations are not for those seeking security. It's for upwardly mobile women who feel secure and are sure of themselves," says the designer, whose clientele includes "Nikki Bedi, Liz Hurley and well-heeled Indians across Europe and the U.S."

The woman who actually started her tryst with design by reviving the ancient art of Thewa (delicate gold work on glass) says, "It's something that's close to my heart. Thewa continues to be part of my repertoire. This time I've used substantial pieces of onyx that I picked up from Hong Kong. Thewa is an intricate art form that evolves from a deep respect for craftsmanship, hues, textures and composition."

Kundan sets being her other specialty, Roopa says, "This time, I've done a different range that's not restricted to bridal wear. It's versatile and young, light and wearable. Peach coloured pearls and ruby balls make a distinct statements in this collection."

Roopa's range, which starts at Rs. 5,000, can be viewed at the Wallace Hall, Hotel Park Sheraton, till April 9.

T. KRITHIKA REDDY

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail