Bohemian gypsy chic: Traditional outfits with a western touch

For some years now designer Niki Mahajan has concentrated on prints that she's sourced from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Niki feels it is important for a designer to know her strength area. This year her show at the LIFW focuses on the numerous printing techniques of India. "I've worked with old blocks and screen printing, in neo classical designs, floral and geometrical patterns. I have also done outfits in my favourite tie and dye," she says.

Niki's show is slated for July 23 (1 p.m.). The entire look of her collection is bohemian and even though the gypsy look came and went out of fashion two years back she has stuck to it. "I've moved away from my strength area, which is making trousseaus to western styling which is new for me. This time I have introduced cigarette pants, cargo, peasant tops, kimono as well as asymmetrical tops. Being a diffusion line, my outfits are pegged between Rs 3,000-Rs 22,000," says Niki.

Though this year too colour dominates Niki's canvas with many hues used in one single outfit from ruby, coral, jade, aquamarine to topaz teamed up with earthy tones. Niki's finally said goodbye to the 32-inch kurta and she's opted for straight pants. The pants are tight at the hip and then cascade beautifully below. What makes Niki's pieces stand out are the various innovative needle thread techniques. "We've used the drop needle technique in an innovative way that leaves gaps strategically in the woven garment. Reverse pin tucking too adds that extra touch of glamour," she says.

Accessories such as oddly shaped mirrors, in glass and lead with colourful stones, shells, wooden and glass beads matched with fringes add to the bohemian look in her collection. "This year too I've used georgette, lycra, silks and a whole lot of patchwork. My focus was to move away from traditional Indian styling towards more western bodies," concludes Niki.