Veteran designer Shruti Sancheti has established herself over the years as a patron and promoter of new age designs incorporating Indian textiles and arts. From Benarasi weaves to tie-and-dye prints, Indian karigari lives and breathes in her spectacular design. For her SS16 collection, Sancheti turned her attention to a new place. Turkey, more specifically its capital Istanbul is the muse of the designer’s new collection. We got a closer look at the collection and chatted with Sancheti ahead of the collection’s unveiling at Lakmé Fashion Week.

Describe Constantinople in a phrase.
Restrained and understated luxury, made in India.

What inspired the collection?
I visited Istanbul years ago. The Turkish are quite modern in their approach, and the nation boast a rich tradition of architecture and craft. It stands out among its neighbouring nations. These diverse factors have inspired my collection.

How has India influenced this collection?
I make the most of everything India has to offer in textiles, craft and techniques. From embroidery and resham work to Chanderi fabrics and Mughal inspired block printing, every technique in my collection have been crafted in India. Though the inspiration is Turkish, the soul of my collection is absolutely Indian.

What are the key pieces in his collection?
A long denim jacket inspired by constructed jackets from modern day Kashmir sums up my collection. The jacket has elaborate Persian and Kashmiri embroidery and captures the contemporary yet traditional vibe of my collection.

How did you zero in on Aditi Rao Hydari as your muse for Lakmé Fashion Week?
My designs are not very outlandish. They are quite restrained, subtle and dignified. I could easily imagine Aditi in a Turkish ensemble—she sums up everything my brand stands for.

Where do you seek inspiration for your designs?
I find it difficult to be inspired by abstract concept. History, geography, society, culture, art and craft inspire me. Since India has a rich legacy of craft and textiles, I am always interested in what other countries have to offer.

Which style icon would you have liked to dress?
I really admire Maharani Gayatri Devi who always wore lot of chiffon and crepe printed sarees. Although I have never made a chiffon saree, I would have loved to create one for her. India should be proud of a woman like her. She is the kind of woman I would like to dress up.