They’re batchmates, brimming with confidence and distinctive design ideas. Nilufer Guha and Dipika Kalra, toppers from the School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) in affiliation with NIFT in New Delhi, have just launched their brand of clothing – Neka. Says Nilufer, “We were very certain that we wanted to do a prêt (ready-to-wear) line that keeps in mind customer preferences.”

Their apparel is available in two categories, one for 16 to 30 year olds and the other for 30 and above. Formals, semi-formals and casuals are further categorised into western wear, fusion, ethnic, and menswear. Plain fabrics in bright colours harmonise with interesting embellishments like patchwork, button work, coins, appliqué, semi-precious stones, hooks and a subtle dash of sequins. Synthetic is a big no-no; the line uses natural fibers like cotton, jute, silks and chiffons.

Ponchos in bold floral prints are teamed with halter spaghetti straps. Shirts have fine detailing on pockets, collars and cuffs. They’ve done some bold blending too. Says Dipika, “Our half-and-half shirts in jamewar and patchwork with kalamkari are a rage.” For casual wear, they’ve put together skirts, ruched trousers; wrap tops and skirts, kurtis – all in a swirl of colour. Their fusion ensemble is a combining of kurtis with trousers in handwork or machine work enhanced with wooden beads and denim thread, teamed with single and two-toned jute stoles. “Embroidered and self textured kurtas and embroidered sherwanis (as per orders) form our ethnic menswear,” Dipika says.

With white never ever going out of fashion, the duo offers a white-on-white segment, with mirror-work embellishments adding that classic sparkle. Another play of white is different textured white fabric put together with patchwork.

“For Navratri we are doing jhalla skirts teamed with funky kurtis instead of the predictable cholis. Diwali will see our range of festive coloured ensembles with brocade and chiffon see-through churidars teamed with chiffon dupattas, patchwork jamewar kurtis embellished with mirror-work teamed with raw silk churidars, and patchwork in contrasting colours with gold sequin work,” says an animated Nilufer. The designers also let clients in on styling secrets. These include tips and suggestions on accessories, right from footwear to jewellery, that would complement the outfit and complete the look.

Priced moderately, with casuals ranging from Rs. 250- 550, semi-formals priced between Rs. 500-1500 and the formal range starting from Rs. 500 and going up to Rs. 3,000, the line definitely merits a dekko. With all the festivities around the corner, it’s time you gave your wardrobe a boost with a pick of this refreshing collection.

Neka is at 502, Suvarnayug, Sunshree, NIBM Road, Kondhwa, Pune- 411 048, Phone: 9890087858 (Nilufer), 9890345633 (Dipika).