Remember that proud moment when we witnessed on the runway of Lakme Fashion Week’s GenNext this year?

She has always been on my radar for the kind of wraps she creates. And so, soon after she returned to Jaipur, I decided to catch up with her. Before we could greet one another, her doggo, Joey, made a grand presence.

Before I reveal few secrets about Paridhi, let me tell you what I love the most about her label. The surprising animosity and drama with which she weaves the handlooms is unbeatable. In case you’re not a fan of neutral base, take a look at her couture. You might as well change your mind. “The grays, blues and whites have always been my favorite. Rajasthan is already full of bright colors, why not balance the color palette,” giggled Paridhi.

The living room of her home reveals from where she’s got her training. A big fan of earthen tones, her late father usually picked home décor items in these hues. Clearly, she grew up to be her daddy’s lil’ girl.

She remembered, “He had taught me so much. It was immediately after he passed away that I got the news of my selection for GenNext. I didn’t know how to react. At that, I was aware of his dreams for me. And so, I decided to carry on. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have developed the taste in colors. I remember accompanying him to his export factory and surrounding myself with fabrics. In no time, the playground became a learning ground and I fell in love with different textures.”

Her next big training commenced when she joined Tarun Tahiliani as an intern. Even though her aesthetics are way too different from Tarun Tahiliani’s, you gotta believe her when she says she’s absorbed a lot from him.

Elaborating this, she added, “My cuts are mostly straight. They are made to suit all body types. The lose structures are there for a reason, you see. Plus, they are timeless. Whenever I draw, I make sure my creations don’t follow the ‘hot-trends’. They are wearable throughout the year.”

That’s true. Paridhi’s clothing line is extremely relaxed. It’s wonderful how women these days don’t really mind donning these over-sized geometric shapes. Don’t believe me? Ask her mom, Manisha!

Manisha Jaipuria described, “The shirts that Paridhi makes are my favorite. I slip into one of these and I am ready to go shopping and attend a party, afterward. They are effortless and make for an impressive day-to-night look!”

And just like her lovely mother, her BFFs, too, love to flaunt her creations. Paridhi said, “For the show, all of them flew to Mumbai to cheer for me. You could spot them wearing my designs for as long as they were in the city. Some sweethearts like Divisha even went around telling ‘who’ she’s wearing to the acquaintances she met.”

Tell me more about the GenNext 2016 backstage, excitedly I asked her. In reply, she said, “My brand is only 1.5 years old and getting an opportunity to show at LFW was huge. I can never forget the roaring applause at the fashion week.”

Talking about the experience, she remembered, “It was crazy there. I was jittery the whole time. Although I have done Singapore Fashion Week before this which, by the way, was like a party, I was nervous for LFW. Everything was well-planned here and choreographed. I couldn’t afford any mistake.”

Meanwhile, Joey appeared once again to make sure we share our cookies with him. “I pamper him silly. I hope you don’t mind him hopping upon you like this,” jested Paridhi. To which, I told her a couple of Poppy’s stories from the JWB office. Psst! These cray-cray four-legged!

Before the adieu, I asked her who she wants to style.

“The list is long. Amal Clooney, Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan, Neha Dhupia and Giovanna Battaglia are in my wish-list. Their personalities ooze strength and wisdom.”

Currently, Paridhi’s plate is full. She goes to her father’s office to look after his business. Evenings are meant for her personal work. With the sketchbook on the table and mood boards lying next to her on the floor, Paridhi ways of giving an extension to her ideas fancy me. Of course, Joey, the Winking-Dog, is always by her side.

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