Bollywood's impact on fashion is worldwide: Payal Singhal

Mumbai : With names like Priyanka Chopra, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Deepika Padukone walking the red carpet internationally, designer Payal Singhal says Bollywood has an impact on fashion worldwide.

"Their (Bollywood) impact is now worldwide, even in countries they don't visit. People from around the globe follow them. But yes mostly it's an Indian consumer," Singhal told IANS here.

Singhal, who has clients in places like New York, Miami, Hong Kong and London, is happy that Indian actors are doing there best to promote Indian style. But she feels more needs to be done.

"Indian actors are definitely playing their part great in terms of spreading the word of Indian fashion. There are times, however, when I do wish some of them would wear more Indian designs on international runways than they do," she said.

Singhal, who has experience in fashion of over a decade, feels that the definition of couture has not changed over the years.

"Though the only difference then and now is that the consumer is very well informed and aware of couture fashion and luxury wear. Some people, however, do misuse the term couture and market products under that tag which is very misleading for the consumer," she said.

Singhal in association with Lakme Salon will present her latest collection titled 'Showstopping Bride' here. The collection is inspired by folk art tapestry, one of the oldest hand-crafting techniques in the world, and takes the journey through the Renaissance period across the European countries, with influences of Persia.

Talking about her range, she said: "The collection comes together in an extensive colour palette of neutral tones like grey, ivory along with pastels like rose blush, mint, sage, cantaloupe, powder blue; bright shades of yellows, corals and pinks; deeper shades like emerald green, navy blue and deep purple.

"The silhouettes stay true to the Payal Singhal signature new-age Indian mantra with tiered shararas, sari dhotis and layered jackets. Fabrics create flow and structure with silks, georgettes and organzas setting the scene for rich tapestry to unfold."

(Durga Chakravarty is in Mumbai at the invitation of the Lakme Fashion Week organisers. She can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)