Delhi is the fashion capital of the country. And it has been attracting international mavericks of the glam world to mark their presence here. The recent addition to the list of designers to be charmed by the city’s high fash quotient is Dubai-based designer Barkha Shewakramani, who came up with her show, titled “The Trunk Show”, which gave a sneak peek into her label, Drama Queen. She is all set to launch her debut store in the capital.
“Delhi features prominently on the global fashion scenario and I definitely want to be a part of this fast-growing consumer market. Youth in India offer a great opportunity for my young and trendy designs. Moreover, for me, it’s also about connecting with my roots,” says the 30-year-old designer, who made her debut at the Dubai Fashion Week in 2007.
Barkha insists that her work is a reflection of her personal fashion sense. “Coming from a rich cultural background, I was always surrounded by beautiful fabrics such as brocade, lace and raw silk. I’m inspired by jewellery, so most of my garments are in jewel tones and are made of ornate silk or velvet, that reflect the sheen of natural gemstones,” she says.
Talking about her ready-to-wear label, Drama Queen, which has been flaunted by Bollywood divas like Deepika Padukone, Lisa Haydon and Nargis Fakhri, she explains, “The brand fills the void between high-style fashion and classic timeless pieces and fuses Eastern trends with Western style. I design for the stylish, independent woman, who is not afraid to flaunt her unique look. Every girl in her own way is full of drama and emotion. She has a longing to be treated like a princess, and every garment of mine makes her feel like a queen.”
But what sets Barkha’s style apart is the social cause she has espoused. “A share of the proceeds from Drama Queen go toward the Emirates Arthritis Foundation, which supports lupus sufferers,” says Barkha, who was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), a form of lupus when she was 21. She is also a member of the Arthritis Foundation in Dubai.