Ahluwalia’s theatrically personal portrayal of Bollywood and Nollywood for AW22.
In a love letter to Bollywood and Nollywood, Priya Ahluwalia captured a sense of untainted cinematography and perennial beauty at her show on Saturday at 180 Strand. After producing four films for her previous collections, the half-Indian, half-Nigerian designer brought out her love for film, specifically the Bollywood and Nollywood scene, untainted by the Western gaze, detailing truthful representation.
In conversation with her at her studio, Ahluwalia glows with excitement about being able to return to physical shows, specifically with this collection which she began crafting by studying filmmakers like Sholay, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Games Women Play and Abuja Ladies. “I have always had a theatrical approach to concepts and want it to feel like a scene out of those movies for my audience,” she expresses, pointing out how cinema was her main solace during the pandemic.
The collection consisted of laser printed characters from posters onto viscose silk shirts, bringing out the immaculate hand-painted detail in movie posters all around cinemas and DVD shops. Blending her love for smart tailoring, sharp shoulder masculine corduroy coats and strong Ahluwalia signature tailoring were prevalent in both women’s and men’s versions with contrasting swirls, completed with a dramatically tilted oversized wide brim hat for completed dramatics. The fluid part of the collection featuring bright green ruched dresses and a-symmetric sari chemise tops were equal parts empowering and confident, all paying homage to the heroïnes of Bollywood and Nollywood.
With her most theatrical collection yet, Priya Ahluwalia has showcased that her theatrical approach to clothing brings out the heart and soul of her heritage, by speaking through stories that are authentically represented. She is a designer who crafts garments into personal truths and love narratives with confidence, bringing in a fearlessly authentic portrayal of Indian and Nigerian culture, which touches the audience with love and power.
