Nachiket's Happy, Everyday Designs

Designer Nachiket Barve needs no special introduction. From being a GenNext designer to a veteran who is a favourite of celebs like Sonali Bendre, Lara Dutta, Sonam Kapoor and the Bachchan ladies, Nachiket has come a long way in a very short time. For someone whose creations are a regular among the fashionistas of B-town, he comes across as an incredibly simple boy-next-door.

Just a little over three years in the fashion world and his designs can be spotted regularly on top magazine covers like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Verve and the likes.

Did he even imagine it to be this huge? "I believe that one can never plan the future; going with the flow and working hard is all one can do," shares Nachiket, adding that creativity and art was always on his mind despite coming from a family of doctors. "I do what I love, which is the reason for my designs being least complex and easily understood by all; and this plain approach, I think, has won the hearts of, what you call "celeb clientele"," he says.

Right from being a fresher from the National Institute of Design (NID) and interning with top designers like Michael Kors and Abu-Sandeep, to stealing the show at Lakme Fashion Week 2007 GenNext ramp; Nachiket is sure the master of the trade, creating what can only be called 'everyday designs' in an industry that thrives on pompous grandeur.

"It is a huge compliment when stars pick my creations for their personal parties and events...something that I value even more than seeing my creations at the red-carpet or on some fancy cover," he shares, talking of the pretty ombre dress (Spring 2009) that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made so popular. Ash chose to flaunt the very feminine, soft flowing dress for actress Sonali Bendre's birthday party last year, and it has been spotted since then in various colours and styles on celebs like Amrit Maghera, Urvashi Sharma, Sonali Bendre, Jiah Khan and many others.

Nachiket says that the simplicity of the silhouette made that dress so appreciated by everyone. "The design is such that women of all ages can sport it confidently. Whether it's a college girl, or a party-regular or even a pregnant lady; someone who's size zero or someone not-so-slim...that dress can be worn by itself or as a tunic with leggings, for day or night events," he shares.

After starting off with much formal patterns and hues with blacks, greys, silver and ash, the designer has graduated to all that's lively and vibrant. For those who love his work, he is a 'happy designs' man - something's that is understandable, given the vibrant colours, laser cuts and themes that come straight from everyday life; something incredible from someone who manages to look stylish in his favourite - black shirt and jeans or a classic kurta, almost always!

For instance, for his winter/festive collection for LFW, he took inspiration from simple pencil shavings and created beautiful embroidery with stunning colours on everything from bikinis to tunics to sarees! The designs received rave reviews and appreciation.

"I like to have things abstract yet easy to understand. There is so much humour and ideas present all around us and that inspires me. It is funny to see how much we ignore the mundane! As for the pencil shavings thing, I wanted to have that ambiguous carnation look and it feels great that it was appreciated," says Nachiket.

What's more? The collection was appreciated by the Bachchans who were present for the show. Another highlight of the show was Jaya's stunning black saree - another Nachiket creation - that didn't fail to catch all eyes!

But was the master of art nervous at all? "I was super nervous! It was an honour to have the Bachchans attend my show, and I hoped I didn't showcase something mediocre and leave them disappointed. It was indeed a huge relief and pleasure to know that they loved it...one of my biggest compliments ever, especially since I feel they're the most style-conscious couple in the industry," he shares.

When talking about any probable Bollywood plans, he says that he is not averse to the thought, and has in fact designed off-and-on for 'Aisha' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. "However, though the past two movies have been a great experience, I choose to be picky because everything matters - the story, the director, the expectations from the costumes," he shares. "Apart from everything else, the thing with my designs is that they are everyday clothes and not really "red carpet" or with melodrama. So for films and actors who prefer that style, I am more than excited to design," he adds.

Not to be seen at the upcoming Lakme Fashion Week, he still has plans for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week that's coming up, and while talking of designs in the pipeline, he says that he plans to continue to create designs that are the sign of this age, stepping away from the very lavish, 'royalty-inspired' creations that appear more like costumes than clothes. "I plan and hope to continue creating chic, comfortable clothes for the everyday woman," he smiles.