Eshaani Jayaswal’s autumn/winter 2022 collection ‘Maggie Choo’ was inspired by her travels to Bangkok and is flirty, cool and feminine. She chats with The Telegraph about the range that celebrates dressing for occasions, and more.
The name has a certain romance about it. There is a story behind it, right?
In 2014, I visited Bangkok for a school friend’s 30th birthday celebration. Like most tourists, we too had a list of places to visit. Maggie Choo’s, a jazz club reminiscent of the 1930s, topped our list. As a designer I have always enjoyed jazz music and beautiful spaces. Maggie Choo’s, transports you to a whole new world. It was at that moment that I decided to create a collection that was inspired by it.
The all-black look packs in a 1950s-inspired bouffant skirt in organza and has been teamed with a crop top and a sleek necklace. Bold red lips up the oomph.
Who is Maggie Choo?
Maggie Choo, for me, is a vision of femininity. A woman who expresses herself through her dressing. Bold, beautiful, elegant yet whimsical.
What parts of her resonate with you?
Exquisite embellishments, colours and the beauty of jazz enchanted me at that time.
This crepe sari in wine with applique and thread details is great for a night of cocktails.
Tell us what’s ‘whimsical’, ‘youthful’ and ‘bold’ about it…
Bold colours, whimsical textures and youthful silhouettes!
You were also saying the looks are all about anniversary specials…
I have always wanted to create a collection that celebrates milestones. For me, dressing is about expressing oneself. This collection is a celebration of moments — anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions.
The velvet applique blouse is an eye-catcher. The concept sari in organza comes with a crepe skirt.
What we like best is that the looks are versatile enough to be worn by pretty much everyone…
We have worked on 15 looks for this collection. There is something for everybody and all body types. From dresses, concept saris, gowns, skirts and lots more!
Tell us how you have accessorised it. Those statement earrings on Meghna are fab…
For Maggie, we wanted to keep the look minimalistic and bling. We collaborated with Iguana, a Delhi-based accessory brand that works on reviving Indian craft. They are eclectic statement pieces embellished with mukaish and beads.
An off-white applique blouse in tulle embellished with organza flowers and mukaish work teamed with a silk organza skirt, with bugle beads, is an apt choice for a subtle bride for one of her wedding functions.
What are the looks and accessories of the season for you?
Bouffant silhouettes, corsets and fun saris. Lightweight accessories. I would say venture outside of the ordinary. For me, it’s always been about lightweight statement pieces well finished with lots of bling. Jackets, corsets, bouffant skirts and everything theatrical!
What are colours for all occasions?
This autumn/winter, revel in shades of wine, brown, blue, black and off-whites.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
I have always wanted to create a collection that celebrates milestones. For me dressing is about expressing oneself. This collection is a celebration of moments — anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions — Eshaani Jayaswal