Upcoming designer Jyoti rolls out maiden collection 'Royal Darbar'

New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) 'Old is gold', this is what has inspired the emerging fashion designer Jyoti Gupta who, in her maiden collection 'Royal Darbar', has given a touch of royalty and rich heritage of Mughals.

Jyoti, who carries a Masters in Fashion Designing from Milan, Italy, has opened her very first bridal wear store ''Ethnica'' here.

''The USP of Ethnica is the exclusive hand embroidery done with a lot of intricacy and emphasis is laid on the Mughal time,'' Jyoti told mediapersons as Bollywood actress Ishaa Kopikkar inaugurated the showroom in the capital lastnight.

Interestingly, her next collection will be western wear which would be launched next year.

On being asked why she chose such a theme, she chirps, ''Mughal time outfits were very rich in designs and embroidery... that is the reason I have used cutwork, jaal embroidery with zardosi technique, gota and mirror work, patchwork with velvet, lace and different colour fabrics.'' The price of the collection starts from Rs 4,000 and goes upto Rs 1.50 lakh. The 23-year-old designer says buyers can also get accessories upto Rs 15,000 to make the collection a complete outfit.

She also plans to open more stores in Jaipur, Kolkata and Orissa by mid next year. This is to note that the jewellery used in her Mughal collection has been outsourced from Jaipur.

Khallas girl Ishaa Kopikkar was of the view, ''Jyoti's designs are very unique and is the amalgamation of lasting values and rich craftsmanship... her uniqueness lies in the western cuts exquisitely combined with Indian elements which unfold the Indian elegance and exclusivity.'' UNI SBA DKS/PV PM1624