Deepika Padukone forays into the fashion world with a women’s collection

A decade ago, Deepika Padukone became the centre of attraction at the Lakme Fashion Week. Her statuesque presence on the ramp was so strong that Bollywood could ignore her only at its own peril. This factor and her ubiquitous presence – pearly smile from billboards and cheerfulness on television commercials – led to a prestigious film offer opposite Shah Rukh Khan, friendly piece of advice from all and sundry in the industry as she came from a non-film background.
Cut to 2015, Deepika is easily one of the leading female actors on the Hindi film firmament. Just when consistency at the box office would have made any actor a tad complacent, the actor is revisiting her roots, the foundation which gave her a platform . Deepika, who is taking bold decisions like doing off beat films like Piku and Finding Fanny, has now launched her label, All About You.
“Though movies are my number one priority, I can say with conviction that this collection is not a one-off thing. I have kept in mind the needs of today’s 18-year-old girls to 35-year-old woman. Right now, a beginning has been made but I would be sustaining it in the long run. In the next season a different collection will be showcased. But the essence of femininity and romanticism will be retained,” says Deepika, who showcased her collection in the Capital recently.
Having modelled for international brands and who’s who of the Indian fashion, Deepika is aware about the complex modus operandi of designers, who need to create a trend as well as make the wearer look suitable in the outfit. “Designing is a serious work. I have tremendous respect for designers. I had this potential in me but have realised it only now. This is an extension of my personality which I am now going to explore.”
Deepika’s understanding of the business side of designing can be seen from the fact she is aware that she is seen as a role model for fashion-conscious teenagers and young women. Hence, the collection has been weaved keeping in mind the needs of today’s women, who wants to wear trendy yet practical wear.
“This collection is an extension of my personality. As a child I was overawed by the presence of my mother. Her dressing style and the kind of clothes she used to wear rubbed off on me,” says Deepika, who looks glamorous in a Sabyasachi Mukherjee’s sari as well as in bootleg denims and printed tops.
As a teenager in Bengaluru, Deepika grew up admiring the dress sense of Hindi film legends like Hema Malini and Sridevi. “Among the current male actors it is Shah Rukh Khan, who dresses impeccably well. Even in simple jeans and T shirt he looks smart.”
About her current beau, Deepika says Ranveer Singh exudes confidence and enthusiasm. “He has a distinct style, his clothes are expressive and he exudes energy.”
Deepika says simplicity would be the hallmark of all her outfits and would be available only on Myntra, the e-commerce portal.
The actor had a long deliberation with the design team before finalising the collection comprising woollens, premium denims, hammered satin, viscose and jacquards and blended knits. She was involved in detailing right from putting on the buttons to seeing the quality of the fabric, insisted on combining embroidery tulles, lace, shine and sequins, floral and feather prints with flowy silhouettes.
For Deepika it has been a crazy, difficult period finalising the collection while busy filming and later promoting Bajirao Mastani. She even put her nervousness aside to walk on the ramp in clothes which she wore in Deewane Mastani song.
Though in her upcoming film, Deepika is seen in traditional attires, she personally likes to wear western clothes.