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and fashion savvy residents. They have been designing exquisite trousseaus for over seven years, which are truly reflective of their signature expressions of classic and elegant styles. Along with the in-house design team, master cutters and embroiders they have conceived and created unique ensembles, with a perfect understanding of a clients' individual requirements. They have recently opened their prêt store at Mumbai's shopping hotspot Quorum, at Phoenix Mills Compound.

Indian crafts have always been an inspiration for the duo not only in their use of exquisite skills like 'zardozi', 'chikankari', 'garra' and Kashmiri embroidery, but they have also perfected reinventing and using designs from antique and royal costumes with proficiency. They are renowned for their adeptness at blending age-old crafts such as kundan, gotta, with contemporary embellishments including crystal, sequins and beads.

With over 16 years of working in the fashion industry, the designers Amber and Shirin have put together, perhaps, the only boutique in Mumbai that is equipped to handle the bridegroom's wardrobe as well. Whether part of bridal booty or a day-to-day wardrobe, each ensemble is exclusive to a client, classic yet contemporary, with excellent finish and cut — a combination that endears the boutique to its loyal local and NRI customers.

City Times caught up with the two designers during their visit to find out how Dubai inspired them, what aspects of their work they had showcased here, and how they rated the local fashion industry.

Firstly, tell us what the exhibition at FAE is all about? Is this your first exhibition in Dubai?

FAE has been a wonderful experience. It was our first time out there and the whole affair will remain an unforgettable one. On the whole it was a whole new experience with the market scenario and its requirements. The only difference between the Mumbai fashion industry and Dubai, was that people here preferred lighter ensembles that are more fusion oriented with western cuts. Based on this we will be sending out our new prêt line very soon for FAE.

What do you perceive are the most popular designs in Dubai? Did you design a separate collection for Middle Eastern buyers? If so, what are the trends in bridal and casual wear you find most popular here?

In Dubai people are very fashion oriented. They tilt more towards the Indo western and fusion wear ensembles. What made waves were Kaftan tops that are not only semi casual but can also be teamed to dress-up or dress down based on the occasion. In bridal wear, people in Dubai look for bolder colours and are open to new designs and trends. Unusual colours like pinks and deep pastel shades with a combination of 'resham' flowers and Sworovski crystals are high on the list for bridal wear. Fusion wear is in, that comprises of Indian fabrics and western cuts to give the bride the perfect look.

How has the Indian fashion scene evolved in your opinion, given that both of you have been in the business for nearly sixteen years? What has changed in this duration, and what are some new trends you've incorporated in your work?

The Indian fashion scenario has changed quiet a bit in these last 16 years. Within this time, women have come out into the open and are more fashion conscious. They have moved from the traditional and prefer slimmer cuts and lower backs that suit their well worked-out bodies and give them the perfect fit! We have worked within the framework of changing trends and are now influenced with the western cuts, which we integrate with Indian fabrics and bolder colours to make for perfect fusion wear.

What would you say are the most distinctive hallmarks of your work? Describe for us your 2005 collection? How many outfits did you bring to Dubai this time around? Were they all displayed at the exhibition?

Our most distinctive hallmarks are we believe, our embroidery and our ability to work in details on fabrics like net, georgette, raw silk and brocade with a combination of 'resham' work and embellishments. Our 2005 collection had a whole new look with a range of non-conventional colours that were never before used for bridal wear, and also saw a combination of western cuts on Indian fabric. This time we brought 60 outfits to Dubai, all of which were displayed at FAE.

Who are your main target customers — in this region, for instance, do you find it is important to cater to local UAE tastes as well, or is it largely the expat Indians here who are your biggest customers?

Since this was our first exhibition in Dubai we haven’t tapped our target audience yet in this region, we hope to do so very soon as we learn more about the market. We hope to cater a lot to the local UAE tastes as well. As far as our sales are concerned the majority has definitely been the expat Indians, as our biggest customer but hopefully in the coming future we will be able to reach out and influence the larger communities out here.