Indian accessory designers gain popularity

New Delhi, Apr 01: Accessory designers in India gained popularity and exposure in the just-concluded fashion week, with many

designers adding jewellery and embellished bags to their collections. Contemporary designs in jewellery, with uncut stones and beads, ruled the fashion shows this time around. For Indonesia based Shalini, her first experience of the India Fashion Week was encouraging, with many designers showing interest in her collection. "Well, it is the first time for me in India and this is the response I got and in fact I had two or three other designers saying that they would love to work with my stuff. And you know that we could talk, because it is a pleasure for them to have to just you know try different things and to see how our jewellery g s with their brands so yeah, I am sure they would like to," she said about other designers working with her. Shalini has already showcased some of her stone and beaded jewels in designer Krishna Mehta's show in September 2006. Long knotted necklaces in shades of green and brown crafted out of semi-precious stones sat around the slender necks of models. Innovative use of beads and stones wrapped around model's shoulders also lent an exquisite and classy touch to the western dresses. More and more designers have been including accessories to their collections, but there is still a long way to go for accessories to become an integral part of a fashion show. Many designers still prefer to showcase their original creations without adding trinkets or bags. "I think if there is any hesitancy it is because the clothes and the jewellery must not clash. It must compliment each other. And it is also what kind of feel they are trying to portray and the theme they are going with. So, like for Rina's (Dhaka) show her clothes were also very romantic and very summery, very free flowing, lovely clothes and so we did a lot of blind earrings, to keep that look going. Some of the necklaces, the fabrics we changed around so that it would match, so I think that is what happens, you have to compliment the designers clothing with your jewellery. So, otherwise I think they are quite open to it as long as it d s not take away from the clothes," said Pallavi, a jewellery designer. Pallavi, along with co-designer Mumtaz, specially designed jewellery in their signature filigree style, along with charm bracelets and Swarovski studded earrings for their collection themed 'Summer of 59', which was showcased in fashion designer Rina Dhaka's show. Apart from jewellery, bags studded with Swarovski, crystal and pearls in various colours from baby pinks to bright reds set the mood for a glamorous show. But Delhi-based handbag designer Chandni Gujral feels accessory designers get short-changed in the whole process of showcasing their products as add-ons to a fashion designer's collection. "You know I think, they are opening up the idea of accessories and that's really nice. But at the same time I still feel accessories designers do not get any importance. I mean if you do a ramp show, you are not mentioned, nobody really knows it's you doing the bags. They probably take it for granted that it's the same designer who has designed the clothes. Plus I just don't think, we are given any importance. I believe that accessory designers should have ramp shows as well. It happens abroad. Accessories are also important, they can make or break your look. But somehow in India that trend has not yet started," said Gujral. However, accessories don't always take the back seat. Designer Ranna Gill's showstopper was a multi-million diamond and ruby necklace by traditional jewellery designers from India's Jaipur city. Bureau Report