
BB: Your ‘Have a Seat’ collection won rave reviews. What is this collection themed around?
Mrinalini Chandra: Well, this time people can look forward to me using a lot of numbers and a lot of math! You will actually get to see jewellery inspired by geometry boxes. I had a fantastic time designing this line.
BB: You will be collaborating with ‘Surendri’ by Yogesh Chaudhary. How do his garments fall in line with your jewellery?
MC: I think he has done some really nice clothes for me and I couldn’t be happier about it. I was looking for somebody who could do black outfits for me and he was just the right person to come by. So I think the jewellery is truly going to stand out in that sense.
BB: Who is this collection dedicated to?
MC: I’m dedicating this collection to students who struggled with math like me (laughs)! We all wanted to escape it but there really was no option. I grew up thinking that one day I’m just going to leave it behind and never have to look back. But, well, here I am making use of math in jewellery!
BB: What is the one piece of jewellery that consumers immediately lap up?
MC: Earrings! I think earrings balance the face beautifully. No matter what you wear and what you’ve done even in terms of makeup, earrings can elevate your look.
BB: What are the 3 most favourite pieces from your jewellery lines so far?
MC: My chair chand balis were my favourite! In the next collection, the fish earrings really worked for me. This time around, I can’t choose because I love just about everything. But if I really had to opt for something, I would love to wear anything with compasses!
BB: Any particular Bollywood star who you think will be able to carry off your jewellery beautifully?
MC: Sonam Kapoor! To wear my jewellery, you need to be slightly experimental. I feel she works best in that sense because she’s also very edgy and experimental in her looks. So I think she’ll be able to pull off my jewellery wonderfully.
BB: What are the challenges you face as a jewellery designer?
MC: I think the biggest challenge I face is having to explain to my karigars what needs to be done with the jewellery. They are veteran karigars from Jaipur and Lucknow and I do very offbeat jewellery. So to get them to make these things takes immense convincing.
BB: 3 pieces of jewellery every girl needs in her trinket box…
MC: A brooch, for sure. You can use them in so many ways. I also feel chand balis have the power to instantly accessorise an outfit. Lastly, a girl should always have a kada because you can always count on them to create a style statement.
BB: What’s the biggest trend in jewellery right now?
MC: Well, maang teekas and matha pattis have taken over the jewellery scene in a big way. They’re all over and look so wonderful.
BB: Lastly, what’s the greatest compliment you’ve received for your jewellery?
MC: Many of my clients walk into the store but don’t know my face. I hear them discuss my jewellery and say such nice things about it. Hearing them say wonderful things about your work is always fulfilling.
Written by Chandni Ghosh on 29th Aug 2015