Setting a fashion statement

Fashion designer Pankaj Ahuja was busy throughout last week. To begin with, he was in Mumbai for the launch of his first store in the city.

Soon after that he took off for London for an exhibition, where his creations were displayed alongside veteran designers like Rohit Bal and Ritu Kumar among others.

“Exhibiting in London is quite an honour. Also as there are many Indians staying abroad, there is a good market. Someday, I would want to open a boutique in London. That would be the ultimate achievement,” he says.

However, this man is grounded and sober in terms of his designs and style.

Nor does he wear bright colours or freaky prints or sport an incomprehensive hair-cut.

Importantly, his creations say a lot. Pankay says, “My signature style is about simple, elegant and wearable outfits that are intelligently embellished. Sensible use of embellishments with clean-cuts enhances the fabric too.”

Pankaj started his career with Rohit Bal. “With Rohit Bal, there is never a dull moment,” he chuckles referring to the 10 years that he spent working with Rohit.

Under his wing, Pankaj concentrated on developing new ideas and textiles.

Rohit’s ‘strong sense of aesthetics,’ taught Pankaj about design, proportion and colour.

“He gave us the creative freedom to explore and I am extremely fortunate to have had the experience,” says Pankaj.
In May 2006, Pankaj along with his wife Nidhi started their own label.

Pankaj reminisces, “When I started on my own, I was very scared. It was a huge responsibility from sourcing labour to getting the finances to selling. But now it gives me an immense sense of achievement.”