Dive into the artistic continuum of Dolly J, where creativity blossoms from the mundane, unveiling extraordinary elegance.

When inspiration strikes, it transcends the boundaries of time and place in the spirit of artistic ethos. This phenomenon holds a unique charm as it transforms something seemingly mundane into a work of art, amplifying the beauty that lies in the eyes of the beholder. This sentiment finds its embodiment in the creations of leading Indian couturier Dolly J, whose collections transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. As she unveiled ‘Selene’ on the grand stage of India Couture Week 2023 she took the viewers into her imagination of moonlit reflections adorning the lakes of Peru, a treasure she chanced upon during her travels.

With an enigmatic assortment of sleek occasion wear, opulent bridal couture and trendy ensembles, Dolly J’s artistic repertoire has something unique to offer every season without fail. And we decided to delve into the creative instincts for our dear readers to celebrate the exquisite art of Dolly J.

FL: Can you tell us about your design background and how you got started in the fashion industry?

DJ: I started as an artist, I was incredibly fond of sketching and painting, and did that into my early 20s. My mother used to run a small boutique, and that’s where I realized my understanding of colours and textures extends into the fashion world. Once I started working with embroideries and fabrics, there was no looking back.

FL: What inspires your designs and creative process?

DJ: My designs and creative processes are very much drawn from the beauty that lie in the world around me. The miracles that lie within nature drive my perception of beauty, and this translates into my design work. Our collection this time is inspired by the transient beauty of the moon, for example. Therefore, we used Christelle embroideries and detailed pearl work to bring this to life.

FL: How do you balance artistic expression with practicality in your designs?

DJ: We try to think from the perspective of the bride as much as we do from that of a designer, knowing that the wedding day is hectic and stressful. While the garments tend to be heavy, we try to incorporate little details to the garment to make it more practical and convenient, such as pockets which give easy storage.

FL: Your recent collection at the India Couture Week, ‘Selene’ channels lunar radiance; what inspired you to choose this particular theme and how did you implement it in your collection?

DJ: The moon was the most radiant to me on the lakes of Peru, where it sets on the waters in its true magical grandeur,

“The miracles that lie within nature drive my perception of beauty, and this translates into my design work.”

DOLLY J

but which I carried with me every time I looked at the same moon back home. Therefore, I decided to bring this to life in this year’s collection with soft flowing silhouettes spangled with pearly white sequins which capture the gentle essence of the moon, and metallic copper tissues and ivory tulles to demonstrate the strength of the moon’s beauty.

FL: What materials and techniques do you enjoy working with the most?

DJ: Indian craftsmanship has many techniques coming into the limelight, and I love working with them and giving them a contemporary spin. Weaves and Chikankari have always been a Dolly J staple, and our lehengas in this collection are based on heritage Zardozi patchwork.

FL: When working on a collection, how do you decide which fabrics and techniques would be the best?

DJ: The inspiration behind every collection lends itself to certain techniques and fabrics naturally, and we lean into this intuition. The moon, for example, inspired our use of pearly white shades and striking black shimmers reflecting the night sky. Molten silver embroidery for our gowns and skirts was drawn from the sensuous and elegant countenance of the moon goddess.

FL: Dolly J has become a name synonymous with style for millennial women. How do you ensure your designs cater to a diverse audience and various body types?

DJ: Our approach is to embrace the traditions that have defined the contours of the fashion industry and to adapt them for a modern and independent bride. We base our collection on an understanding that brides best understand moment and we shall continue to applaud her artistry that inspires us to explore, create and evolve. their own bodies, and therefore, we ensure that their preferred styles can be customized to the look they feel their best in.

FL: How do you strike a balance between incorporating classic elements and pushing the boundaries with innovative designs?

DJ: Classic heritage is that it inevitably finds its way into new-age glamour, and therefore, we choose to lean into traditional handicraft techniques and age-old craftsmanship, while keeping the cuts and silhouettes chic and modern for the evolving Indian bride. I believe that modernizing crafts doesn’t reduce their authenticity, but rather that it makes tradition grow beyond generations and borders.

FL: How do you maintain authenticity and originality in an industry that’s constantly evolving?

DJ: I think it’s key to embrace the ever-changing nature of fashion, and adapt to new ideas and trends with every cycle. However, we do this while continuing to explore what makes us unique and distinctive. Our silhouettes and distinctive use of ombres makes Dolly J’s products unique, and therefore, we evolve our style while still maintaining the crafts and techniques that have been our speciality.

FL: What advice do you have for readers who want to elevate their personal style?

DJ: I believe that readers should be bolder and freer in their choices, and be less afraid of taking risks. Exploring new cuts and styles only allows your personal style to evolve, and this evolution is often how one finds their creative expression.

As we draw the curtain on Dolly J’s creative instincts, it’s evident that inspiration truly has no bounds. Her trailblazing creations that bridge traditions with innovation, infusing classic elements with modern charisma are truly having a moment, and we shall continue to applaud her artistry that inspires us to explore, create and evolve.

Text by: Sanskriti Sharma