Tag Archives: modern Indian fashion

Luxemi recently sat down and chatted with one of our favorite designers, Mallika Mathur, who’s making major fashion waves in Delhi and beyond for her versatile textiles, modern wedding wear, and embellishment-free aesthetic. Here’s what Mallika had to say about her design style, her inspirations and which celebrities she’s dying to dress in her clothing.

Luxemi: When did you first start designing clothing, and how has your design style evolved over time?

Mallika: I started my line about six years ago, and my design aesthetic has always been based on traditional hand-woven textiles — mainly from Benares, with traditional motifs from the Mughal Era. But my style is contemporary, and my designs are constantly evolving each season. What I’ve tried to achieve is a classic line of clothing that never goes out of style, regardless of the season or trends.

Luxemi: What type of woman do you envision wearing your sarees?

Mallika: The woman I envision wearing my clothing lends a certain amount of sensuality to the textiles I’ve created. She could be any age, because I’ve created my line to be versatile, with flattering cuts, and devoid of embellishments and fussy work.

Luxemi’s Peach Brocade Lehenga with Halter Blouse by Mallika Mathur

Luxemi: What traditional Indian techniques and fabrics do you incorporate into your designs?

Mallika: The possibilities are endless when it comes to Indian textiles. I use a wide range of fabrics: silks, mainly for brocades; georgettes; cora cotton, which is Benarasi cotton mixed with silk; net with Zari motifs; crepe; and chignon. That’s just a few examples.

Luxemi: What is your favorite Spring/Summer 2012 fashion trend?

Mallika: I love floor-length anarkalis with beautiful borders. The look is very sufi and elegant. And Greek togas with motif borders are very stunning for any formal occasion.

Two Mallika Mathur lehengas in the Luxemi collection.

Luxemi: Who or what are your biggest inspirations as a designer?

Mallika: I love designs from Prada, Bottega Veneta and Dries Van Noten. It’s also inspiring the way Missoni uses weaves that are similar to Benarasi textiles.

Luxemi: Which celebrity would you love to see wearing your designs?

Mallika: I would love to see Angelina Jolie and Jodie Foster wearing my clothing. Angelina is very sensual, and Jodie is a woman of substance and integrity.

Luxemi: What do you love most about being a designer?

Mallika: I love being able to express my creativity without any limitations, and it’s an amazing feeling to have people admiring and wearing my designs. There’s never a dull moment in my life, because I’m always thinking of what to create next! These textiles really enrich my life; they make it therapeutic for me to go to work everyday.

Want to embody the modern, sensual woman? Luxemi handpicked some of Mallika Mathur’s most stunning lehengas for our collection, available to borrow anytime you’re in the mood for a gorgeous textile or to buy when you want the look forever!