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Payal Singhal returned to the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI runway with the festive/winter 2024 collection, Tazhib featuring 40 statement pieces.
Actor Shriya Saran and singer Vidya Vox performed at Payal Singhal’s showcase.
Behind every successful milestone it is the hardwork and determination the designer puts in. For Payal, 25 years is just the beginning of another journey. Having redefined modern Indian bridal wear at the beginning of her career, today has almost become a norm in Indian occasion wear. A visionary artist, Payal’s love for art and culture has been evident in her design language and makes her one of the few Indian designers who truly believe art is where the heart is.
The Payal Singhal Silver Jubilee celebratory show at the recently concluded Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with Fashion Design Council of India, set the tone for the festive and wedding season.
Embodying Payal’s love for art and culture, the showcase began with a surreal dance performance by actor Shriya Saran, who looked ethereal in a white mul anarkali with mukaish and ghungroo work. With 40 statement pieces taking over the runway, each ensemble was celebrated through Mughal art and culture but reimagined in contemporary Indian silhouettes in PS style!
The showcase was further enhanced with a high tempo performance by celebrity singer Vidya Vox, who sang her Grammy nominated song Sundari dressed in a chikankari lehenga paired with corset featuring zardozi work.
Excerpts from the interview:
25 years of redefining modern Indian bridal and occasion wear, how would you describe this glorious journey?
The journey has been an exceedingly fulfilling one. As a brand, we were accepted immediately, and were able to create a new way of occasion wear that has almost become a norm today. But 25 years ago, the concept of east-meets-west with fusion separates in Indian textiles but with an international bent was a very unconventional way of thinking. We’ve had a gradual incline and journey of growth with the expansion of our repertoire and product lines, and I would not have it any other way. Today, we are not just a fashion brand but a lifestyle house with offerings ranging from bridal and festive wear to menswear, kidswear, accessories, gifting, home furnishings, and more.
What’s different about Payal Singhal when she started off and now, 25 years later?
25 years ago, PS [Payal Singhal], the brand and person, were both a lot more idealistic and experimental. Today, while the experimental way of being still exists, it is also accompanied by caution and knowledge. I understand my customer a lot better now. While I still rely on my instincts, decision-making also comes from a place of knowing. So, yes, we are the same person and brand, we are also a lot more aware of our social imprint, impact on people and the environment, and our digital footprint.
Why did you choose Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI to commemorate your journey and the collection Tazhib?
I am extremely loyal as a person, and hence as a brand too. We have longstanding ties with all our stakeholders—whether it’s our stockists, our PS girls, or our brand partners. I have grown up on the LFW [Lakmē Fashion Week] and FDCI [Fashion Designer Council of India] runways. I made my runway debut with LFW, back in 2006. It’s also the platform where we celebrated 20 years of the brand. So it only made sense to return for our 25th anniversary too, as an ode and sign of respect to the runway that’s been an integral part of my journey.
A word of advice for aspiring designers who want to make it big in the fashion industry?
The most important advice is to have a strong POV [Point of View] and hone it through your journey. Stay true to yourself, don’t compare your journey with those of others, have blinkers, and put in the work you need to grow.
Payal Singhal’s Tazhib collection is a magnificent offering of stunning creations perfect for the upcoming festive and wedding celebrations. Take a look.
Payal’s favourite low-crotch harem pants worn with intricately, cropped blouses, sailed down the catwalk on beautifully styled models.
The signature corset cholis, trademark tassels along with Kalidar shararas appeared with a new found verve and vigour on the ramp.
The fabrics that Payal paid particular attention to were dreamt up in organza, velvet and Chanderi to match the mood of the festive season.
Old world embroidery techniques like Mukaish, Gotta, Lucknowi and Zari were given the PS creative treatment.
