Designer brides

"EVERYBODY HAS an attribute that is unique and I want my clothes to reflect it," states the pretty Namratha Hegde. Although her boutique is just a few months old it is already attracting attention. "The creative challenge lies in making people look good," says this multi-faceted young designer who has an MBA in marketing from Ohio University.
Namratha has modelled for well-known brands such as Calvin Klein, Mango and River Island among others in Dubai. Her store houses fabric for salwars, western wear and saris. "My fabric is imported and is exclusive. I love designing bridal wear for Indian and Western brides and of course the trousseaus," says this designer who enjoys dabbling in Indo-western wear immensely. A stunning bridal sari studded with Swarovski crystals especially meant for an Arab bride, an elegant evening gown for a cocktail do, casuals for teenagers are what she does. Versatility is clearly her forte.
She exports clothes — Indian, Western and Indo-Western clothes — for inter alia beauty pageants and fashion shows abroad, namely the U.S. and Middle East. "The Indian retail market is large and the timing is right," she says, when asked how she happened to decide on opening a store in the city. Namratha says youngsters in India are fashion conscious and follow global trends and her extensive travelling has brought in much experience and shaped her perception.
Expansion is on the cards for this designer-cum-model. She advocates a strong sense of self-belief that will help bring success, and "success is also contentment," declares this very spirited woman who has great admiration for Oprah Winfrey.
Fabrics for salwars are priced Rs. 1,000 upwards, casual tops Rs. 500 upwards, and saris Rs. 1,000 upwards. You can visit the store at Namratha Design Studio, 5, Lakshmi Complex, 10th Cross, 15th Main, RMV Extension, Sadashivnagar or call 56999392