Couture Canvas: In Conversation With Farah Khan

Farah Khan

It’s the end of December and half the country seems to have migrated to Goa. You’ll find Farah Khan Ali, one among the crowd, sketch book in hand. Work followed her on her holiday and she couldn’t be more thrilled. She now has 20 new sketches to usher the new year in with.

“People tend to believe that jewellery designing is glamorous profession. Perhaps, it is my association with Bollywood that gives them the impression. It’s a tedious process, really. I start working at 10am and only get done by 8pm,” Farah explains. Her self-sufficient design studio in Andheri, Mumbai takes care of all the aspects of production. Designing, of course, tops her list of favourites.

She is rather pleased with the results of her recently unveiled ‘Couture Canvas’ collection. “There’s a general misconception that my jewellery is very exclusive. So I wanted to create a prêt line that is both wearable and affordable. Of course, the collection also includes one-of-a-kind cocktail pieces. The aim is to make piece unique and eye catching.”

Farah Khan Jewellery

 “I’ve experimented with pink gold – an alloy of gold and copper. It has a subtle femininity to it. But this collection is all about colour. So, I’ve tried to infuse a lot of gemstones. Along with rubies and diamonds, you’re likely to find by pearls, emeralds, lemon quartz and sapphires,” she says. As far the inspiration is concerned, animal motifs have made a dynamic appearance.

But when it comes to styling, the designer believes in keeping it simple. “When you wear a statement piece, the rest of your outfit needs to be underplayed. I always choose strapless gowns for bigger necklaces. As Indians we tend to be cluttered in our choice of jewellery. And that is something we need to do away with.”

So what is about her jewellery that makes it such a phenomenon? The opulence, the old-world glamour or the frequent red carpet appearances. Either way Farah insists her jewellery is about the real woman, who is comfortable in her skin and exudes confidence inside out.