Like mother, like daughter

Designer duo Neeta and Nishka Lulla - who are currently in Dubai for the fashion exhibition DIVAlicious - talk fashion, finesse and feminism

Neeta Lulla is a woman who needs no introduction. With a career that spans over 30 years and 300 movies, the ace designer is something of a fashion queen in India. There's almost no Bollywood A-lister who hasn't been spotted in her stuff, from Shilpa Shetty to Sridevi to Juhi Chawla. More recently, her elaborate works have been seen in the 2016 period drama Mohenjo Daro.
"The work that I do inspires me," she says, when asked about keeping things fresh after being in an industry for decades. "I always look out for new designs and keep an eye out for new trends. For any job, the most important thing is to be passionate and love what you do."
With her success, it was only natural for daughter Nishka to also develop an interest in fashion. Having confessed that it is the only career path she has ever considered, Nishka exploded onto the fashion scene when she won the Creative Excellence Award for the "Barbie all Doll'd up" show at the Lakme Fashion Week in 2009. And of course, the young fashion diva has been setting trends ever since. Her own personal style is eclectic and bohemian while being comfortable and wearable, and she's a self-confessed hoarder of crop tops (her Instagram description reads 'The Crop Top Girl'!).

A model displays one of Nishka's crop-top designs
"Right now, the trends I can't get enough of are the off shoulder and one shoulder look," she admits. "They're already huge, and will be here for a while. From playful dresses to evening gowns to lehengas and saris, it's all about the shoulders and sleeves."
For a budding designer like Nishka, it was both a blessing and a curse to have a famous mother in the same industry. On one hand, who better to guide her through the pitfalls in the industry than one of Bollywood's favourite designers? On the other, it is easy to remain under the shadow of a famous parent. "It was difficult at first," admits Nishka. "Especially to live up to everyone's expectations. But I got such a great response that it really motivated me to carry on."
"My mum helped me identify my own personal style and taught me to translate that into my work," she continues.
But do they ever find their work or projects clashing with each other? "Not really," says Nishka. "We both have different styles and that's important - to know yourself and be yourself. That's what an honest expression of your style is."
Well, it's no secret that the esteemed designers are fans of Dubai's DIVAlicious - both Neeta and Nishka have graced last year's fashion exhibition - and they're back in town for the 2016 edition.

One of Neeta's creations
"The vibrant energy of the way it is organised and the huge number of shoppers it attracts is one of my favourite things about DIVAlicious," says Neeta. "That's in addition to founder Vanita Bhatia's efforts and dedication to the brand. plus her warm hospitality!"
However, when Neeta and Nishka are not busy managing and promoting their own fashion labels, they are just like any other mother-daughter duo, albeit with a fashion sense that many would kill for. They enjoy watching movies together or simply talking the night away.
Neeta has always been well known in the fashion circle, but this year she added another feather to her cap by speaking out about social issues such as gender-based violence. through fashion. Her 2016 collection #Sheisme was inspired by the strength of women and featured intricate embellishments created with finesse as well as the cherry blossom motif, which is a symbol of feminine passion and power in Chinese culture.
"This collection speaks to a woman's characteristics," she explains. "You see the vibrancy of the cherry blossom and the osmanthus transition into the colours of dried flowers and cracked Mother Earth. Just as these magnificent miracles of nature respond to tenderness and care but can also just as easily dry away with neglect, a woman's spirit begins to wither under any physical or emotional abuse. We need to raise our voice against this."
Feminism is currently a hot topic in India - with the term constantly being debated and redefined. But Neeta has her own take on it. "Feminism, for me, is freedom in movement and thought, and believing in individuality. I love that fashion adheres to these charecteristics and thus reinforces feminism."  
"I am proud of my daughter Nishka," she continues. "Apart from her success, I am proud she is her own woman who knows her mind and her job. It is important to raise strong, independent daughters as they can stand on their own feet, look after themselves and create a better world around them. Our daughters need to be empowered."
janice@khaleejtimes.com