It seems like another shining jewel in Chennai’s crown of achievements. If you are awe-struck by Sonam Kapoor’s look in her latest New Delhi-based movie, Aisha, a Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma, there are an array of designers to claim the credit for it — including our Chennai-based talented fashion designer Rehane Yavar Dhala.
Rehane had participated in many fashion weeks in New Delhi, and has also designed a few modern clothes for Sonam in the film. Speaking about how it all happened, Rehane says, “Sometime early last year, during one of my fashion weeks, a few members of a film crew approached me and said that they were making a movie. They felt my designs best suited a character of their movie. I didn’t know anything about the film then. Later, when they asked me for a few samples, they explained to me that it was for the film Aisha, which is co-produced by Anil Kapoor and stars Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol in the lead role.”

But did Rehane have to put up with the starry tantrums of the fashion-conscious Sonam? “Not at all,” says Rehane. “I did meet Sonam. She is a non-fussy and beautiful girl who is very honest and fun-loving. The best part about her is that she has the figure of a ramp model, which was great because I didn’t have to do any alterations. I was impressed by her sister Rhea Kapoor, who is the producer of the movie and a dynamic personality.”

Talking about Sonam’s appearance in the film Rehane says, “I have actually styled the western look for her. It is very modern, peppy and quirky and has a lot of layering. I didn’t have to take much effort because my designs fit the character like a glove from the beginning. You won’t see the usual girly ruffles or frills but the entire image is very edgy and bold at the same time feminine.”

“I was supposed to be the main designer, but things didn’t work out because of my commitment to the fashion weeks that are to follow. Being here in Chennai it really gets difficult to manage things as you need to be there to bond and develop that trust in your designs. A lot of my samples were sent back too,” she clears the air revealing that the other designers in the film are Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anamika Khanna and Manish Arora.

“Sonam’s costume stylist in the film, Pernia Qureshi, is a talented person. She can make anyone look amazing,” she adds.
After this experience, does she plan to do more films? “I’m not to sure as my main focal point now is to expand my production house and retail all over to ensure that my designs are available across India. Apart from it, I have a men’s collection for a fashion week, resort collection for Lakme Fashion Week and autumn-winter collection for WIFW in my kitty.”
Rehane reveals that it’s music which keeps her motivated. “It’s magical because when I listen to songs, I get a lot of fresh ideas. The classic track Ride the Storm from Fantastic Four was my inspiration for one of my collections. When I heard it, I could literally see designs popping before my eyes,” she signs off.