The Indian Designer Preview took place on Wednesday 31st October at the Aashni & Co store in London.
Bollyspice where at the evening of Indian Grandeur showcasing a Diwali sale of renowned designers such as Rohit Bal, Gaurav Gupta and Pia Pauro to name a few.
The night was hosted by London based lifestyle blogger and journalist Priyanka Gill. Priyanka not only runs her own successful blog, eStylista but is also a guest blogger for the likes of Grazia India and The Guardian to name a few.
We caught up with the lovely Priyanka Gill to talk about her support for Pratham UK, (5% of the proceeds from the Indian designer preview were donated to the charity), life as a blogger and fashion.
You support Pratham, why did you choose to support this charity?
As a mother of two young children I realise the critical difference that education makes in their lives and feel strongly that it is a basic undeniable birth right of all children. Pratham does inspiring work in this field in India and I feel they deserve as much support as possible.
How did you get into fashion blogging and journalism?
I have always enjoyed reading and writing so journalism was an automatic career path. Fashion blogging was a fun happenstance. I love fashion and writing about it.
Your blog eStylista has gained a large following, what tips would you give to aspiring bloggers?
Be consistent. Make your posts fun and always remember there is a certain unique quality that invites readers to your blog – don’t lose your voice.
What do you love most about Indian art?
I love its aesthetics and the fact that it is a part of my heritage.
What do you think Indian designers have to do to become more accepted in the mainstream fashion industry?
They already are. The top names have impressive international clients and are stocked by top stores. Varun Bahl sells via NETAPORTER while Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna sell internationally as does Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi. One of my favourite designers, Manav Gangwani, has a cult following in Russia and the UAE.
What, to you, is fashion?
Fashion is a mode of self-expression. It is a vocabulary that can be used to express personality and moods. It is also more fast-paced and transient, as opposed to style, which is something innate and more lasting
So many great Indian designers showcased their collections at the Indian Designer Preview, which is your favorite?
I love Gauri and Naynika dresses, Rohit Bal Anarkalis and Gaurav Gupta drapes. Also costume jewellery is also rather fabulous and very on trend
What else do you have coming up?
I’m working on a book (stay tuned) and also having fun redesigning my blog. The new, revamped eStylista will be launched early next year and become a platform for other bloggers to contribute to as well.
