Designer Leena Singh, of Ashima-Leena, wants the label’s upcoming showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week to represent a new era for them. “The transition between black and white narrates a story which aligns with the label itself. It is synonymous with Ashima Leena’s metamorphosis as a label,” says the designer, as she chats with HELLO! ahead of her LFW showcase.
The collection, titled ‘Nature’s Grove’, is inspired by nature and its infinite beauty. It features intricate craftsmanship, nature-inspired prints that were developed in-house, and breezy fabrics. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation to give ou a glimpse at Ashima-Leena’s upcoming showcase at LFW…
HELLO!: Tell us more about Nature’s Grove. What can we expect at LFW?
Leena Singh: “‘Nature’s Grove’ has been inspired by nature and its magnificent scintillas and is a luxury prét collection. Look out for vivid hues, intricate beadwork, and unique silhouettes. It’s synonymous with Ashima Leena’s metamorphosis as a label, that will be showcased at LFW.”
H!: What drew you to the subject?
LS: “I’ve always felt close to nature and I feel no designer could be bigger than the designer of the Universe, our Lord who created nature with its implicit beauty. Look at the lovely different shades of green in one single tree, or the beauty of so many pinks in one single rose. So it was natural for me to be drawn to this subject.”
H!: Can you tell us a little bit about the process behind creating this collection?
LS: “We, as a brand, develop our own prints. It’s very important that we get it just right so the prints are rejected many times till we achieve what we’ve visualised. Then we work on creating different silhouettes. This collection is all about intricate applique work of satin done on French nets and pairing it with printed organza.”
H!: What excites you about the Indian fashion landscape at the moment?
LS: “Indian fashion has evolved and the landscape is very different from when we first started. The interest in the richness of craft and heritage of our country is very heartening and it’s extremely exciting to explore that.
H!: What are your tips for people who want to be on trend this festive season yet invest in pieces that are timeless?
LS: “These are two different sides of the same coin. The trends are bound to change and cannot adhere to timeless factors. If one wants to invest in timeless pieces, one needs to ignore the trend and invest only in classic pieces.
H!: What are you excited about for the future?
LS: “I always believe that the past is history, the future is a mystery and the present is a gift. That is why we call it a present. This is why I keep working hard with immense passion so that the present turns into a glorious future.
Ashima-Leena will be showcasing on Day 5 of the ongoing Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 in Delhi.
