Rapid Fire with Jamini Ahluwalia

Rapid Fire

What’s your new collection all about?

It is part of an exhibition titled ‘An ode to granny’ which will be showing at Bungalow 8 next week. This particular line showcases a lot of handmade crochet and motifs like fresh flowers. They are clean simple pieces, very much in co-ordination with Pamela Singh’s clothes which will also be showcased there. It took three months to put together the line and I have about 150 pieces which start from Rs 850 onwards.

Do you feel the Mumbai audience appreciates and knows how to carry of such thematic jewellery?

Yes, I have absolutely no problem with the way my clients carry off my pieces. In fact, I often see a Shobhaa De or a Haseena Jethmalani who wear my necklaces. These are very well dressed and informed ladies who know how to put an entire look together.

Have you faced any competition from new entrants into the field of jewellery design?

Not at all! I don’t even look at other people’s jewellery and the fact that people still like my jewellery after almost 25 years of being in the field is the biggest compliment to me. Both my daughter Maithili and I wear only my jewellery.

Are the demands of the international market different from the domestic market?

I currently retail from Takashimaya and Bloomingdales and also from Henry Bendell’s but not under my own name. That unfortunately is still a struggle. However, the international market looks out for contemporary jewellery with an Indian twist and I do have to create a separate line for them.

What would you say is different about your jewellery?

I am blessed that I can still create new pieces for a younger generation and am still going strong. I very rarely design one off pieces. I take up a theme first and design an entire line. Also I believe in exclusivity hence I don’t make more than 2 or 3 pieces which are similar.