Payal Singhal’s Kismet was laid out like one big picnic. Carefree and laid-back. Kaftan, brocade jogger pants, Aztec print, oversized jackets, bomber kurtas, ruffle top, balloon skirt, #SportsSari... all added to the cool “Indian atheisure” vibe. Athiya Shetty closed the show. Payal took some questions from The Telegraph, post-show.

Designer Payal Singhal

Payal Singhal’s Kismet was laid out like one big picnic. Carefree and laid-back. Kaftan, brocade jogger pants, Aztec print, oversized jackets, bomber kurtas, ruffle top, balloon skirt, #SportsSari... all added to the cool “Indian atheisure” vibe. Athiya Shetty closed the show. Payal took some questions from The Telegraph, post-show.

A drive-in show sounds very interesting! How did it go?

When we were thinking of how we are going to pick up our pieces and move forward, an open-air show would have been an obvious choice, but to kind of do it in this format is unique and innovative. It was limited and contained and that’s what we need to do, start small and the future of fashion can be just drive-in shows.

How did you prep?

The biggest difference between this show vs others was that we had to be so mindful of every small little thing that we did, like props. Normally, they come and the models get them, but the models were in a bubble. They got sanitised and then the models touched them. We used more models than we normally do (16-20)... 35 models to make sure that there is not too much contact. We had to think of minimising or eliminating it completely. My team did not dress the models. They were dressed on their own or their team from the bubble.

Tell us about the showcase...

It was called Kismet, done in collaboration with R|Elan™. I used their future fabrics. The fact that these fabrics are made in India is like a cherry on the cake. They feel like crepe and chiffon and are breathable. We did a couture look at the end, a sports lehnga. The main theme was Indian athleisure, inspired by Indian silhouettes. I have been thinking about it for a few years, but last year just pushed me into making it happen sooner. I started to want to wear more comfortable clothes. Last year we all realised that it is about loving yourself.

What do you love about Athiya Shetty?

Athiya is a fashion favourite. She is like a model, tall, beautiful and she’s got that lanky model walk, beautiful long hair. We have a very old family connection where my grandfather launched her father into movies, but we have never worked together at a fashion week, though I have dressed her up for many occasions.

What are the summer must-haves?

Definitely a P.S bomber set is a must-have. Keep it cool co-ords. They are trending, something which can take you from a Zoom meeting to sleepwear or going out at night. Keep some basics in hand... co-ordinated masks, white sneakers, hands-free bags.