Words by Atheena Wilson     Photographs by Mirari

Dressed in a salmon pink suit, and accessorised with a sparkling diamond choker resting resplendently on her neck, Mira Gulati epitomises poise … just like her jewellery. In a competitive market as luxury jewellery in the country today, Mira has remained unhinged and pursed her dreams which are evident in her ephemeral pieces. An identity of class begins with her logo, featuring elegant sings which looks like that of a gossamer butterfly. Mira says this symbolises angel wings, and was emblematic of a “brand that flies free of tradition and strives for the extraordinary.” With a natural taste for aesthetics, Mira’s designs go beyond just ornate, rather a proud statement on individuality and quality. Although trained as a gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, Mira’s designs showcases the rich heritage and grandeur from the Raj and Mughal eras.

What did you envision when you started Mirari?

A jewel may be very beautiful but it is only when you can personally relate to it, because of its intrinsic meaning or story, that you feel confident about wearing it. Just aesthetically placing stones together is inconsequential. It matters what they portray and hence, you will see my jewels inspired by a myriad – from stories from the rich Indian history, to nature.

Raj and Mughal eras showcases exquisite jewellery. How do you personally connect with these designs?

I have always admired our queens for their classic trends, beauty and mysterious persona, as they have a striking royal appeal, and have always wanted to create pieces of art, keeping them as muse. You will see a lot of Mughal inspiration in my collections. Nature has also been an underlying inspiration and is reflected in my signature collections comprising of butterflies, peacocks, and other marvels.

You have said that heirloom jewellery involves a strong emotional quotient. How have you been able to redesign your jewellery?

Every piece of jewellery holds a special place in a woman’s heart. We started this redesigning concept with an outlook to keep our jewellery special forever. With an intensive designing thought process, the jewellery is given a new look without touching or hampering the sentiments attached to it. The style is played around with, while the emotional value remains intact. This helps the wearer to don that piece of jewellery without a worry of being outdated yet at the same time exemplifying a statement of elegance and choice.

When it comes jewellery, the price of gemstones and gold is crucial. The concept of design still has an unknown price tag. How has this changed in your customer’s perception?

The variation in metals, both alloy and pure, along with a rise in varied gemstones with designs have raised the bar of the consumers’ expectations. Being well-travelled and keeping a keen eye, jewellery connoisseurs have accepted the fact that not only the gemstones or gold are key factors of the price, but also the exclusivity and inimitable designs with excellent craftsmanship play an equal role.

In your opinion, what makes for an “oomph statement” with the different types of Indian wear?

Long chandelier earrings will complement a heavy anarkali suit. A striking cocktail ring goes well with this ensemble. In a saree, keep it elegant with a chic one-line necklace, bangles and small earrings. One can experiment a lot with a lehenga, such as big neck pieces/chokers, rings, bangles, and even headgears go very well.

What makes a jewellery design contemporary?

The meticulous blend of inspirational fashionable facets, with orthodox traditional aestheticism, makes a design contemporary. The process of creation is evolutionary and anything regal or imbued with pristine charm is attracts attention.

Which artists have inspired you the most?

There are many artists who inspire me in my work, each for different reasons and artistic sensibilities. One of my favourites, though, is Vincent Van Gogh. He was a passionate, moody artist whose love of nature, drawing and watercolours reflected in all his works and creations. His signature inspired artwork like “Sunflower” and “Almond Branches” were beautiful renditions of nature on canvas. In fact, one of Mirari’s creations has also been inspired by his iconic work, named ‘Starry Starry Night’.

What advice would you give on pulling off jewellery with class?

The most important advice I would like to give is to make sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. Do not forcefully sport something, just because it is in trend.

What are the trends from Mirari on the red carpet?

Our cocktail rings and earrings have made sensations on the red carpet already. One fine example is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who recently sported our ring for a red carpet event.

What is your favourite piece from your designs?

Mirari’s polki peacock earrings are one of my most treasured pieces of jewellery. Its intricate design and delicate contours exude a feeling of rare elegance and matchless grace.

In the spotlight :

An iconic piece of jewellery from a movie
Necklaces worn by Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.
Most appropriate jewellery for a strapless gown
Classic diamond choker.
Least explored gemstone
Paraiba tourmaline.
A jewellery trend that’s making waves
There are two – redesigning and modular jewellery.
A major jewellery fashion faux pas.
Sporting together different (solo) gemstone jewels in different pieces. For instance, emerald earrings with a ruby neck-piece and sapphire ring look gaudy.

The post A ROYAL FEEL-IN CONVERSATION WITH MIRA GULATI appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.