The czarina of cultural fusion
While most designers are caught up in innovation and pushing creative boundaries, Chennai-based costume and jewellery designer Prabha Narasimhan has struck a fine balance between wacky and wearable. Starting off from her home, she initially crafted jewellery and designed clothes for her close-knit circle of friends. But today, her brand Abharan’s clients extend across the globe.
“I wanted to popularise costume jewellery rather than real jewellery, primarily concentrating on neckpieces,” says Prabha, adding, “My jewellery price range is from `1,500 upto `7,000 because I wish to attract all sections of the society.”
Speaking of the change in trend, she says, “Earlier people used to be interested only in wearing real gold. But these days even for important occasions, people do not hesitate to wear artificial jewellery as long as it’s a fashion statement. My jewellery is predominantly bold and has a lot of beads that I buy from Singapore and Dubai. The beads are very dramatic and are attention-grabbers.”
By now an expert in gauging taste, Prabha says, “While North Indian brides go in for bolder colours, South Indian brides prefer slightly lighter shades. In recent times, the North Indian traditions have permeated into the South Indian culture. The customs, clothing and consequently the jewellery preferences are changing down South. And this amalgam is a good thing.”
Prabha, who is also an avid traveller, shares, “Travel has influenced my design sensibility in a huge way. The 40 years of exposure that I have gained due to extensive travel owing to my previous airline job has helped me extensively in coming up with unique designs. The jewellery indigenous to Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore are truly beautiful but the ones that I saw in Peru are the best I have seen till date.”
Elaborating on her personal appointment consultation sessions that are a huge hit, she says, “The session covers everything from deciding on clothes, their designs, textures, jewellery and styling a perfect look. My team and I make sure that the clothes become an extension of their personality.”
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