IT will be a proud moment for Shaina NC when she represents India at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries meet in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this November 22. The fashion designer, politician and social activist is busy running between her preparations for the show in Colombo as well as attending party meetings and looking into the multiple initiatives she supports.



WHO: Shaina NC
WHAT: Talking about her love for saris and her preparations for the SAARC meet
WHERE: At her store, Golden Thimble at Kala Ghoda

Shaina takes out some time from her hectic schedule to tell CS about her new collection, love for saris and her different roles in life:

SAARC connect
It was at a fashion show in Kolkata that a member of the SAARC organisation was amazed at how I draped the sari. I've mastered the art of draping it in about 15 to 20 seconds and know 54 Indian styles of doing it. He approached me with the idea of putting up a fashion show for the women delegates at the Colombo meet and I readily agreed. The theme of the show is to highlight the integration of costumes as a unifying factor. I will be draping delegates from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan in my designsu00a0-u00a0 glossy tissues, nets (French net that has a great fall), laces, etc. To make the creations look ethnic, I have used a whole lot of sequins, jari and embroidery work.

Drape with pride
People ask me why I design only saris and I ask, why not? Sari is the most beautiful attire for a woman to bring out her sensuality. It can put a cocktail gown to shame. I want to take our traditional attire to the west. I want the youngsters today to appreciate this sensual garment and so I am experimenting with itu00a0- you can drape it as a lungi, sarong or a skirt. For convenience, I have designed concept saris as well as ready-to-drape ones that have the pallas and pleats all stitchedu00a0- all you need to do is to pull it on.

Foot race
I have a focussed, boring life! I put in long hours and even work more than most of the men. You will never catch me at kitty parties or getting pampered in a parlour or partying till three in the night. However, there are times when I feel guilty that I can't spend more time with my son, but I devise ways to spend quality time with him every now and then.