From silver and gold to black and whites, Neha Gandhi Binjrajka’s NGB’s party line, The Soiree, packs in the classics. Neha decodes the collection for The Telegraph ahead of its launch.
Tell us about The Soiree...
The tag line is ‘from dusk to dawn’. ‘Soiree’ means an evening party. Now, hoping that the Covid situation is a little better, everyone missing partying would want to step out. This collection is basically easy to wear, but partywear. Everything is so simple to slip into. Even the belts you see are all attached. You just need to get into the garment and zip yourself up and you are good to go. They are comfortable to party in, all night. Now everyone wants comfort wear but they also want to stand out in the crowd. This collection is exactly for that. It’s not a hassle to get into and you are still going to look like the belle of the ball.
I have finally used a lot of shimmer. I have been dying to use it because I miss it. We have started off with silvers and black, but we are doing it in various colours. I also wanted to use gold, but gold shimmer would have been too much. So, we have done a gold satin ruffled dress. Bold and strong. My ruffled dresses do really well. I have done hand pleats.
The white-and-black dress is my favourite. If you walk into my office at any point, you will probably see me dancing around in it. I love wearing it and it is so cute. I did this for myself. I am suddenly very fond of velvets and I have incorporated black velvets this time in the collection. The tie-ups in the dress are of velvet and the whole dress has black embroidered flowers on them. Princessy!
And your label has just turned a year old...
I am still finding my ground, but I am learning a lot of things. As a stylist, I know what will look nice on someone, but these are real people. I have worked with so many actors but this is different. Someone might want a body-hugging dress, but not a sleeveless one... I realised that it is important to keep a variety. I don’t want to force any particular design on anyone. It has been about understanding the person’s body and what works for them. My collection is for all body types.
The collection is all about statement outfits. Is that the way to rock this party season?
Now no one wants to wear heavy jewellery. Half the time, I lose my earrings everywhere. I decided to wear simpler jewellery and keep my outfit statement-y. In this collection too, the outfit is the hero.
What’s a party fail-safe?
I have grown this fascination towards a nice dress. Earlier I was more comfortable in pants or a jumpsuit. After a long day, if I have to get out, I like to go for a statement dress, small accessories and step out. If I am going out on the 24th night, I would wear something princessy.... On the 31st night, I am definitely going to wear bling and bring in the new year like a star. For house parties, I am looking at jumpsuits, when you are catching up with your friends.
A dress that spells party...
What Kareena Kapoor Khan wore in Tareefan. I am a diehard Kareena Kapoor fan! She has just done simple earrings, bracelet and boots with the dress and she is ready to party!
Neha’s tips
Christmas eve: Bring in the first big party of the season in a ruffle dress in satin or a gown, not with too much bling though. Depending on the neckline you are going for, try statement earrings or a neckpiece, thin bracelet or maybe a ring.
Christmas lunch: You can do a nice princess cut or a jumpsuit.
New Year’s eve: Go for bling, wear minimal accessories. Try a blingy top with pants.