.jpg?rect=0%2C0%2C1920%2C1080&auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
Who would have thought that a boy from Nepal with dreams in his eyes would rule the international runway and Hollywood with his sartorial creations? Prabal Gurung owns the fashion space and guess what, he is also a huge fan of Bollywood. Having danced to Sridevi’s songs as a kid, Gurung says he wouldn’t shy away from dancing his heart out on Hindi songs even today.
Prabal is in town for a trunk show showcasing his fall/winter 2016 collection in India for the first time at Le Mill. And he took time out to discuss fashion i n films with who else but Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif, and another fashion legend, Christian Louboutin.
We were there to bring the highlights of the event to you.
Movies Vs Red Carpet
Talking about fashion in films, Katrina feels that as characters, actors don’t get much option to explore costumes as not every director pays attention to it like Karan Johar.
I would like to personally see the importance that we give to dressing up for red carpet events and the options you are given for clothes for such events. I think some more importance should be given to the clothes we wear in the film. I remember watching Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and going like, ‘those coats...’ You have to dress according to your character but even if it is a simple outfit, there should be more options than just one or two as opposed to when you are going for a red carpet event, someone would come up with 15 gowns for you to choose. I feel the importance needs to go back into designing for films.Katrina Kaif, Actress
Fashion & Intelligence Are Not Mutually Exclusive
Many times, fashion is associated with good-looking dimwits. Gurung feels they can co-exist without any problem.
Fashion and intelligence does not need to be mutually exclusive. I look at Cate Blanchett who is an exquisite actor and the most amazing fashionista out there. When I look at the Hindi Film Industry, I watch your (Karan Johar), Sanjey Leela Bhansali ,Yash Chopra films and they all are beautiful.Prabal Gurung, Fashion Designer
Saying It With Fashion
Gurung has not just styled Indian beauties but he happens to be the favourite designer of the US First Lady, Michelle Obama, along with Demi More, Zoe Saldana, Eva Mendes, Blake Lively, Kate Hudson and others. He believes fashion to be that universal language that has the power to bring various cultures together.
Fashion can be a language that can break the barrier of differences. For instance, a lot of people in Hollywood may not understand Bollywood films but fashion is a universal language. Look at what Priyanka (Chopra) has done. The beauty about fashion is that it can bring cultures, countries and helps in getting rid of the man made borders. When I look at the Indian Film Industry, I love it. I dressed Katrina, Queen Rania and Rebecca Hall and all three are exceptional women. It give me immense joy that as a fashion person, I can address all these women.Prabal Gurung, Fashion Designer
.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
What Can Films Give To Fashion?
Katrina Kaif feels that films should offer much more to fashion that it currently does so as to create magic.
If you see American films, especially when it comes to older actresses, someone like Audrey Hepburn - you see the style and see that they have created such iconic moments on film. You can have amazing moments on the red carpet but movies give you a chance to create a moment forever.Katrina Kaif, Actress
Playing With Your Limitations
Gurung points out that rather than running away from your limitations, one should use them at your advantage.
Not all actors are going to be brilliant actors, not all designers are going to be brilliant designers, but if you understand your limitation, you can make the most out of it. There are actors and actresses who look amazing and it is a part of who they are and because of that become superstars. So why not? Fashion is at your disposal to use for your advantage.Prabal Gurung, Fashion Designer
Glamour Is Who You Are
Katrina has been given various adjectives to describe how flawless she is. She feels that glamour has more to do with one’s personality rather than expensive couture.
Sometimes a stereotype or the image that the audience captures sticks with you. For me there is no glamorous or de-glamorous role. Just as Prabal cannot change the way he looks, I can’t change the way I look . When Prakash Jha had offered me Rajneeti, it was a scary moment for me because up until that point, the directors that I had worked with ( Anees Bazmee & David Dhawan) didn’t give so much attention to costume. 90 per cent of the costumes were bought by me on location on films like Welcome and Partner. But in Rajneeti, Prakash Jha went himself and bought the cotton sarees that you see in the film. He knew what he wanted.Katrina Kaif, Actress
Jagga Jasoos Is All About Organic Fashion
We finally got a sneak peek into the costumes of her upcoming film Jagga Jasoos too.
For Jagga Jasoos, my costumes are very simple, organic raw material. Everything is bought from a store called Reformation which is all recycled fabric and is environmental friendly. I think it is beautiful.Katrina Kaif, Actress
I Shopped Myself For Partner & Welcome
Katrina shared with the audience how she likes to take a keen interest in the costume department of the film when no one is paying attention to it.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)