RINA DOES SOME SOUL-SEARCHING IN HER COLLECTION
Indo-Asian News Service (24 March 2007)

Driven by self-introspection and soul searching, Designer Rina Dhaka rolled out her collection "Me, Myself and Rina" at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), attempting to portray the image of her inner soul. "My collection is an outcome of a lot of self-introspection. The line asserts that in the fashion world guided by trends, I want to be myself. The feel of 'Me, Myself and Rina' is peace in this world of chaos," Rina told IANS after presenting her line here Friday evening.

The collection, showcased with 1940's music as background score, is inspired by the Hollywood look of the 40's and 70's. The line is a fusion between the classically vintage and the modern times meant for the contemporary woman of strength and character.

"The inspiration has been derived from the era of 1940's and 1970's. It is an international collection for which a lot of research has been done. I found striking similarities between the 1940's and 1970's look. The 70's look has been on a run but the 40's was untouched. So I have highlighted the 1940's look in my collection, which is vintage yet contemporary. "To stress upon the vintage look, I used the original 1940's track as background music while showcasing the line," added Rina.

The collection comprises tunics, skirts of varied lengths, corset tops, bustiers, shorts, jackets, pleated pants, wraps and off-shoulder dresses, accessorised with scarves and belts. The colours range from black, charcoal and stark white to gun metal with generous splashes of a brilliant red. "The colour inspiration comes straight from my heart. Earlier I used a lot of black but this time it is all about colours."

Fabrics like brocade, silk, net, chiffon printed in Moroccan motifs are embellished with sequins, patchwork, tie and dye, crochet, appliqué, 'vasli' and 'nakshi' work (embroidery done using a cardboard) of Victorian era. "I have splendidly used 'vasli' and 'nakshi' work in my collection which I had once seen at the Victorian Albert Museum."

Rina creates an illusion of volume by incorporating a lot of pleats. She has shuffled with silhouettes with clean rectangular lines, voluminous sleeves and long dresses.

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