Srimati Radharani expressed her inconceivable benevolence to India’s youngest fashion designer Nishka Lulla when she benignly adorned the outfit designed by Nishka on Her auspicious appearance day – Radhastami which fell on 27 August 2009 this year.

Nishka won the ‘Creative Excellence Award’ for the Barbie all Doll’d–up show at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2009 where many of India’s leading designers participated to design an outfit for Barbie for her 50th anniversary. The winning design was Nishka Lulla’s whose outfit was worn by actor Katrina Kaif.

The Lulla family visit ISKCON Juhu regularly and have found immense satisfaction in serving Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari through their craft. This year, Nishka toiled for two months with her artisans to create extraordinary outfits for two occasions, ISKCON’s founder Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja day and Radhastami 2009. She was especially overwhelmed to have received the opportunity to design for Radharani. The following interview lends an insight into the budding designer’s faith in Their Lordships.

ISKCON News Weekly: What was your inspiration when you designed outfits for Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari?

Nishka: Since the outfits are designed for Radhastami, I wanted the look to be feminine, innocent and young. We wanted to reflect Radharani’s mood through the outfit. Thus, I would say that Radharani Herself was the inspiration.

INW: You design for your label Nisshk, fashion shows, etc. How was it different to design for the Lordships?

To design for Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari is very different than designing for shows, celebrities, etc. It was a special opportunity to design for Radharani and I designed whole heartedly. It was a great honor.

 

Nishka Lulla offers flowers to Srila Prabhupada

INW: Did you have any particular look in mind when you designed for Radhastami?

Yes, I kept Radharani’s mood in my mind when I designed this outfit. Since Radharani collected flowers for Lord Krishna, organza flowers have been patched on the outfits. Bows have been used to represent her innocence. I have used baby pink and golden yellow which are vibrant pastel colors to express her feminine qualities and love.

INW: Can you tell us something about the outfit design?

The outfits have a lot of texture and are quite vibrant. There is less use of embroidery and more emphasis of style to display Radharani’s spirit. I have used flowers, lace and bows to express her feminity.

INW:What was your mother Neeta Lulla’s experience when she designed outfits for Radhastami last year?

My mother was totally overwhelmed. I would mention again that designing for Sri Radha Krishna is an opportunity given to very few. Thus, it was a great blessing and a dream come true to see Their Lordships adorned in your creations!