A diva is the female version of a hustler, says Beyoncé. J-Lo believes that you have to work harder than everyone else to be a diva. Diana Ross explains that a diva is someone who is a perfectionist, who does her best in her craft.
Inspired by various concepts of what makes a diva, Monisha Jaising’s couture collection, which will be showcased at the finale of Lakmé Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 in Mumbai, is an interesting mix of glamour and power. “Shades of a Diva is Lakmé Absolute’s beauty statement of the season. My collection is inspired from that and is also named after it. According to me, every woman is a diva in her own right. A diva is someone who exudes great style with confidence. She is very comfortable in her own skin and wears luxury and pret in an effortless manner,” says Jaising.
The celebrity designer believes that a woman can be a diva everyday, and not just on her wedding day. Hence, her clothes do not belong to the category of bridal wear, but go beyond. “Why does fashion always have to be about weddings? In India, fashion is still about bridal wear and we really need to think beyond that. Let me be clear, my clothes and this collection is for an everyday diva for all her lifestyle needs, not just about being a bride or attending a wedding as a bridesmaid. I think we need to think about fashion as a bigger conversation that is beyond the wedding season,” she says.
The designer believes that though India is making a presence on international fashion platforms like Paris and New York, we are yet to make a mark. “But we are definitely moving forward as a market and we are definitely in the right direction,” she adds.
Her collection takes roots from India’s rich culture and heritage and is inspired by her passion for art, music and modern architecture. In terms of colours, the collection really brings alive the shades of a diva. “I will be putting together precious elements with colourful fabrics creating unique pieces that will make one stand out from the crowd. The bright, bold colours and figure sculpting silhouettes epitomise the brand’s ‘more is more’ take on strong modern dressing that has always made head turning designs perfect for aspiring customers worldwide. The collection covers different segments in muted and vibrant palettes which draw inspiration from the different shades of a diva which will be spread across the show. From the muted or sorbet palette, I am partial to colours such as sea foam, peach bud, sweet lilac, crystal blue, and blush pink. Electric blue, fuchsia, peacock green, cherry red, sachet pink are borrowed from the vibrant colour palette,” she describes.
Going the offbeat way, her fashion show will be held at a yet-undisclosed location. As the grand finale designer, she always has a surprise up her sleeve. “You will hear details very soon! It’s going to be a grand show and a very special one,” she says, adding, “I’m extremely excited to be on board as Lakmé Absolute Grand Finale designer and partner with them to bring Shades of a Diva alive on the runway. My association with Lakmé Fashion Week goes back to when the concept of fashion weeks was nascent in the country. Hence, it holds a very special place for me and now even more so with me being the Grand Finale designer.”
But she gives in to reveal who her showstopper will be. Having selected the perfect person for the job of representing the diva in every woman today, Jaising shares that Kareena Kapoor Khan will walk the ramp as her showstopper.