Friday, April 8, 2011

Deepa Gurnani Trunk Show Kick Off!


It's here!  Our first Deepa Gurnani Trunk show is kicking off in Hinsdale this week and it will be making the rounds. Keep an eye out coming to your location soon......



Hinsdale April 7- April 10 
Lake Forest April 14th- April 17th
St Louis April 21st-24th


A small vendor card is enclosed with each purchase that gives a background on the designers.  Perfect for gift giving!




 Pink, Purple,Blue,Yellow,Green,Red........................................
Any color you can think of.  Pretty sure I've tried on all of them!



Deepa Gurnani graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London,where she used to help bead couture pieces for Alexander McQueen, Ben Maher, Emanuel Ungaro and Fendi. Meanwhile Jay Lakhani, her husband and partner, is a Jewelry Designer from the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, who trained under the head designers of Tiffany and Bvlgari.

Together they started making quality headbands and hair accessories worn now by most Hollywood celebrities like Paris Hilton, Katie Holmes and Mischa Barton among others. Their head bands were also featured in the Gossip Girl series, and it was this collaboration of ideas that brought Deepa Gurnani, the label into the limelight.

Now sold stores across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia, the pair have started retailing at Bungalow 8 in Mumbai. They told us all about their newest collaboration and their plans to branch out into many other things than just hair accessories.

What’s the idea behind Deepa Gurnani? 
The idea behind Deepa Gurnani was to take Indian Embroidery to the next level by giving it a western appeal. We breathe Fashion!  We had no other option!

Is it seen only as an accessory brand? Do you plan to branch out into other things?
Absolutely! We are definitely branching out into more than just hair accessories - kaftans, bags and scarves.

Deepa Gurnani beaded couture pieces for Alexander McQueen, Emanuel Ungaro, Fendi, Marjan Pejoski, etc. How did the association come about? 
Central Saint Martin’s is closely linked with its Alumni.  My tutor’s would discuss my projects with the Alumni and that’s where it all began.  Before I knew it, the top couture houses were coming to school to see my work.

What are your designs influenced by?
Our designs are completely inspired by India.  India is and will always be extremely close to our hearts.  We create each piece to beautifully portray the craft that these skilled artisans in India possess.

Having trained under the head designers of Tiffany and Bvlgari and working in the Fine Jewelry Industry, for eight years, with some of the largest retailers and manufacturers, Jay, how has the journey been for you?
The journey has been surprisingly smooth.  The hardest part was learning to speak Hindi fluently.  And of course, working with the brand and developing it. We make sure we only use skilled craftsman and we personally look into each and every detail of the pieces.

Both of you come from different backgrounds, how do you both separate your aesthetics? 
Yes, we both come from different sides of the equation. Deepa usually tells me how she would go about the design and I usually talk her into making the product more store-worthy. It’s almost like both of us function with the same mind.

What kind of Indian influences are we talking about here? What kind of work is very Deepa Gurnani, as a brand?
Embroidery is the focal point in all of our pieces.  However, every Deepa Gurnani piece can be distinguished by looking at its lining. Our designs and the quality of our finish is what sets it apart.

How do you separate your audiences? What do you categorise them in? Are they bohemian, classic?
Fortunately for us, our pieces have a universal appeal. Everyone seems to like them and team them effectively with their outfits. The celebrities who have worn our pieces are that diverse too.

How often do you come up with collections? 
We never stop designing, but we launch four collections per year.And that's a  lot.

Tell us about your latest collection? 
Our current collection consists of very feminine pieces in vibrant colour combinations, influenced by Emil Nolde & Valentino.
Article via: Vogue India

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