In Conversation With Neeta Lulla

Q. Tell us a bit about The Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion. Neeta: "The school is a joint venture between Subhash Ghai and myself. I've been teaching since 7 years and love it. Educating students about the current happenings in the industry, I felt that we could make a difference to the students, as I knew what they required. I decided to get into this venture and it's been about 9 months already. It teaches people the business of fashion and bridges the gap between the learning in school and the varied careers available in the industry."

Q. What's more beneficial - a formal education or learning from experience? Neeta: "You do learn from experience but you need to know what you want to do before you get into it. As a professional, you hire people so they can add value and they need to apply their education to the jobs they want. That's how we create a pool of fashion in the nation."

Q. What was the first item of clothing you ever designed? Neeta: "I started off as a fashion choreographer and moved on to become a stylist and then a designer. The first item of clothing I designed was a dance costume for a movie starring Kimi Katkar."

Q. What do you personally enjoy more - designing or styling? Neeta: "It's hard to say as they both go hand in hand. As a designer, I visualise how my clothes would look like once they're on. I enjoy both, equally."

Q. What's your personal style statement? Neeta: "I swear by power dressing. You'll catch me in blue jeans and a white tee at work. I like my clothes to be fuss free. I'm partial to neutral shades and don't wear too much colour."

Q. What is in your purse that comes in handy as a quick style or beauty fix? Neeta: My compact and lipstick.

Q. Which Gen Next designers should India watch out for? Neeta: Nishka Lulla, of course. Nikhil Thampi is great too.

Q.Your advice to budding designers? Neeta: Fashion is a fast paced field. What's important is that you get solid training before you get into it and find something you love to do. Sound education and dedication will go a long way.

Q.Tell us key trends to look out for this season. Neeta: Linear cuts, stripes and checks are definitely back. Colours are getting more varied and vivid. Jewel tones are still reigning big. The traditional salwaar kurta is getting a modern twist and the look is getting more easy and relaxed. To view the designer's collection, visit Neeta Lulla's store at: