Payal Khandwala, our celebrity guest blogger, is a renowned artist, and is making her debut into the world of fashion, with her collection Play, at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer/ Resort 2012. In this post, she tells us how Play came into being.

Payal Khandwala
Payal Khandwala

As a painter, what excites me the most, is the freedom to manipulate pigment. Simply orchestrating colour can give a canvas a pulse, and bring a painting to life. My approach to clothing is much like my art. I treat the body as just another medium, a different type of canvas.

Payal Khandwala's collection, Play
Payal Khandwala’s LFW collection, Play

Infused with a sense of play, the fabrics are layered in different textures and colour, within a framework that is constructed, draped and pleated, sometimes twisted, and sometimes looped. Drawing from the works of abstractionists like Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, they are dramatic yet minimal, with an attention to detail.

The palette is illustrated with deep jewel tones, nuanced neutrals and fresh whites. Coupled with rich Indian silks, natural linens and cottons it makes a collection of effortless separates that are stylish yet artfully negligent, with an inherently Indian soul.

Payal Khandwala's collection, Play
Payal Khandwala’s LFW collection, Play

The silhouettes are long, they are neither masculine nor are they overtly feminine. They are made keeping in mind the contemporary woman independent and intelligent and with a refined aesthetic; a woman with an opinion and a need to express herself, and ultimately someone who enjoys luxury but not at the expense of her comfort.

Want more? The show is slated for Saturday, 3rd March, 1:30 pm