It was her second attempt at the Triumph Inspiration Award 2012, and this time she did turn heads. The lingerie design by 22-year-old Astha Narang, a student of the Pearl Academy of Fashion, won the Facebook Award for most popular design at the national edition of the Triumph International Awards 2012. Though the jury-selected winner, Pooja Upadhyay will represent India at the international final in Shanghai this October, where a bigger, international jury and online audience will select a global winner, Narang is happy about her success in the seamless online fashion world.
“The votes on Facebook go on to say that we are now one connected planet. Anybody from anywhere can express their likes and dislikes for things. Today, I have the votes of people at large and not of a restricted few. The second benefit is the timing, as I am in the final year of my course. The recognition will hopefully get me some good job offers,” Narang says.
Talking about designing to a theme Narang says, “While staying within a theme designers need to think out-of-the-box. I too looked at the theme which was the Dragon and Butterflies, to reach something different, but something that still possessed the real characteristics of these creatures.”
Narang’s lingerie design was made in double-pleated polyester and nylon fabric in shades of blue and green. She describes her design as one where two extremes — the dragon and butterfly — meet. “It has a very contrasting feel. The dragon is bold, angry and strong and meets the butterfly that is soft and delicate. The fabric has been created and heat-set to give the feel of a dragon’s skin and the silhouette is very feminine, inspired by the butterfly. It is pleated in both directions, which gives it a layered yet 3D effect and when moulded, the pleats open at some areas and close at others — this adds to the overall appearance. The design will do very well as beachwear too,” she explains.
Narang is thankful to Facebook, a platform where both men and women feel comfortable enough to express their views. “Contests like TIA help us look at the lesser tried segments of lingerie, sleepwear and beachwear with a new perspective,” she adds.
Despite job hunting and working, Narang is keen to pursue her interest in lingerie. “Though we now see international labels coming here, there’s still much to be done to reach designs that are a blend of comfort and style,” says the young designer.