Designer Seema Gujral’s latest edit —Inara, is a testimony to her unwavering commitment to celebrating and empowering Indian heritage and textiles.
Renowned couturier Seema Gujral always aspired to express her creativity through her profession, which led to the inception of her eponymous label in 1995. Since then, the Seema Gujral brand has not only flourished on the Indian fashion stage but has also left an indelible mark on the global landscape.
Inspired by her roots, Seema Gujral's designs effortlessly marry traditional aesthetics with contemporary allure. This seamless fusion is eloquently showcased in her latest collection — Inara. A testimony to her unwavering commitment to celebrating and empowering Indian heritage and textiles, Inara holds a special place in Gujral's heart.
Reflecting on the exquisite collection, Seema Gujral, who has dressed Bollywood Divas like Madhuri Dixit, Bhumi Pednekar, Disha Patani, Rakul Preet, Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde, Tamannaah Bhatia, Mrunal Thakur and others, shares, “This collection holds a special place in my heart as it draws inspiration from the fascination I have for the brilliance of gold and the intrinsic beauty of light. I envisioned it as a tribute to life's essence, capturing the radiance of weddings, the love in a bride's eyes, and the promising light of a new day.”
Delving into the significance of the collection's name, Gujral explains, “The name ‘Inara’ holds significance as it symbolizes a ‘ray of light,’ representing pure, serene, ethereal, and divine illumination from above.”
The regal colour palette and luxurious detailing in the collection unfold a story of ethereal grace and resplendent charm. And Seema Gujral's meticulous approach to design is evident in each ensemble of the Inara edit. “This collection is a deeply personal expression of my vision. I sought to harness this inspiration by infusing each piece with intricate handcrafted embroidery, contemporary patterns, and a rich colour palette. From the exaggerated pearl droplets to crystal accents, every detail in this collection reflects my commitment to timeless luxury for modern celebrations and special occasions,” enlightens Gujral.
No wonder, every outfit from the Seema Gujral brand feels like a piece of art. Characterized by the brilliance of gold and silver, the latest edit features exquisite, handcrafted embroidery, fluid forms, and sleek cuts. Key design elements include traditional embroidery techniques, contemporary patterns like chevron and linear, and details such as exaggerated pearl droplets, crystal accents, and all-over jaals on dupattas. The collection introduces diverse ensembles, from lehengas to fish-cut and straight skirts, along with jackets, providing a versatile canvas for various celebrations.
Inara is a testament to Gujral’s commitment to blending tradition with modernity, creating a unique and timeless aesthetic. Speaking about striking that balance, Gujrals says, “In our designs, I strive to strike a harmonious balance between traditional Indian crafts and modern design elements. 'Inara' exemplifies this approach. This collection, with its exquisite range of lehengas, skirts, and statement-making elements, reflects my dedication to crafting outfits that embrace both the richness of tradition and the vibrancy of modernity.”
With such impeccable artistry and unique designs, the brand Seema Gujral has carved a niche for itself in the realm of fashion. Further, elaborating about catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of their clientele, Gujral shares, “We prioritize catering to diverse tastes by offering a versatile canvas in our collections. 'Inara' is a testament to this, with a varied colour palette, statement-making elements, and a range of styles. By incorporating traditional embroidery techniques alongside contemporary patterns, I aim to create outfits that stand apart. My commitment lies in providing a range that resonates with the individual preferences and unique styles of my diverse clientele.”
Looking ahead, Gujral envisions exciting expansions for her label, which also includes a brand-new flagship store in The Dhan Mill, Chattarpur. “We have several more surprises lined up this year, so would love to keep the excitement going and welcome everyone to our magical world including our new store in The Dhan Mill, Chattarpur,” she reveals. The store's unique selling proposition lies in the seamless integration of traditional spatial design and meticulous curation that enhances the overall customer experience. “A voluminous courtyard and detail-rich alleys provide a distinctive backdrop for showcasing my collections. This thoughtful harmony between the spatial design and my designs reflects a commitment to brand identity, offering customers an immersive journey that amplifies the beauty of Indian traditions while embracing a modern perspective," she explains.
The store is meticulously curated to enhance the overall customer experience. “From the moment clients step in, they are immersed in a world where traditional opulence meets contemporary allure. Our knowledgeable staff provides personalized assistance, understanding the unique preferences of each customer. The ambience is designed to evoke a sense of celebration, making the shopping experience memorable. Additionally, attention to detail in both design and service ensures that clients feel not only adorned in exquisite attire but also valued and understood in their style choices. The goal is to create a seamless journey where luxury, elegance, and individuality converge for an unparalleled customer experience,” Gujral elaborates.
Lastly, Gujral shares her design philosophy and her commitment to her brand. "My design philosophy revolves around blending a modern perspective with traditional craftsmanship, creating pieces that embody a harmonious fusion of the two. In my pursuit to redefine Indian couture, my designs resonate with the essence of India's art and culture. My other recent collections ‘Fiori - The Sharara Edit’ and ‘Kashish- The Saree Edit’ reflect my commitment to bridging contemporary aesthetics with heritage elements. Crafted from the finest fabrics, each garment undergoes couture craftsmanship and hand finishing, ensuring a perfectly tailored piece,” Gujral concludes.
One can purchase Seema Gujral’s designs through the brand’s official website — www.SeemaGujral.com and from the brand’s new flagship store in The Dhan Mill, Chattarpur along with their atelier in Noida.