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Designer stuff

CHIC DESIGNS In tune with the latest trends in the fashion world

What happens when four creative minds meet? Creative juices begin to flow and the outcome takes the shape of an idea or product. That's the simple story behind United Designers or simply the UD, the latest designer wear store in the city. The brainchild of four young graduates from NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) and NID (National Institute of Designs), Durga, Rajeev, Satish and Satyadevi, UD was incepted in 2008 to showcase their creative ideas with fabric.

"We have been working for various reputed labels in the past and also supplying our label `Prakrutik' to different stores across the country. But in 2008, we decided to set up something of our own. And hence UD was created. The first such outlet was launched in Hyderabad and this is our second one," says Durga Prasad.

All natural

The unique feature of their design and creation is the use of all natural stuff. "Our fabric comprise of hand-spun cotton, linen and silk. We work closely with the cotton weaver societies in Andhra and silk weavers in Maheswar and Benaras. The ensembles are embellished with the traditional Kalamkari prints and block prints, using natural and vegetable dyes. In our products there is no use of nylon or polymer-based fabric," says Rajeev.

The young minds work in tandem. While a couple of them specialise in designs, others take care of the production. The designs hover around the indo-western trend, with an ethnic touch. UD is also the platform for other young designers to exhibit their labels.

The range includes tunics, blouses, shirts and jackets in cotton and cotton silk with pintuck, pleats, ruffles and contrast facings and yokes and kalamkari prints for tops. For bottoms the collection comprises of skirts, capris and pants. In the dress section the range includes shift dresses, shirt dresses, princes line, empire line, cocktail dress and sun dresses.

In tune with the festive season, UD has lined up a series of ethnic wears like salwar kurtas (in Mangalagiri, Maheswari, bandini and kalamkari) and half sarees (in Banarasi, Chanderi, Paturu silk with Kalamkari). The store also houses eco-friendly accessories like jewellery and hand bags and toiletries. "They are made up of products from the nature and are manufactured and marketed by NGOs engaged in women empowerment," says Durga.

The showroom is located in Siripuram Towers.

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