Behind the Scenes: My Bollywood Design Process
From scouting fabrics in Jaipur to character research on the streets of Mumbai, this is how I translate real life into your custom wardrobe.
This is me, ready to break new boundaries and create timeless designs. My work is driven by a love for the craft and a desire to bring new ideas to life.
Here I am talking about my work and what you can expect from my collections. After 30 years in Bollywood, I love sharing my designs, from festive lehengas and Banarasi sarees to gota patti embroidery.
Dressing Tabu for 'Chandni Bar' was a deep dive into character research. I share a little about my process, which involved visiting bars and talking to the girls there to capture an authentic vibe for the costumes.
A work trip to Kolkata is always inspiring. From visiting local shops like Byloom to find beautiful fabrics and dupattas to soaking in the city's culture, these experiences fuel my designs.
When in Lucknow, you soak in the culture. This city, with its beautiful chikan and mulmul hand-embroidery, is a constant source of inspiration for my film shoots and designs.
My work often takes me to Jaipur, a city I love for its vibrant energy and incredible textiles. Here I am in my element, sourcing beautiful block-printed and Sanganeri fabrics for my next collection.
My travels are a huge part of my creative process. This video captures moments from a convocation ceremony in Indore, a wedding in Prayagraj, and a visit to the Sangam, all of which inspire my work.
A glimpse into a week in my life. It's a mix of watching films for inspiration, like the wonderful 'OMG 2', and shooting with talented people like Miss Nepal International for my latest collection.
About My Creative Process
My work doesn't start with a sketch; it starts with a conversation or a trip to a fabric market. Whether I am sitting in a local cafe to understand a character's vibe or digging through stacks of material to find the perfect Chanderi, I believe the soul of an outfit is in the details you don't always see on the red carpet. If you want a piece that actually has a story behind it, we are going to get along just fine.
How the Magic Happens
People often ask me if designing for Bollywood is all glamour. Tauba, it is actually a whole lot of hard work. My creative process is messy, loud, and incredibly rewarding. It involves everything from visiting bars in Mumbai to soak in local vibes, to traveling to Kolkata to hunt for the perfect dupatta or authentic Banarasi weave.
Bringing My Process to Your Wedding
I bring that same cinematic approach to your personal wardrobe. When you come to me, we don't just pick a style from a catalogue. We look at your personality, your comfort, and the story you want to tell at your event.
- Customization: We start with a consultation to understand what makes you, you.
- Fabric Selection: Whether it is Portuguese lace for a gown or high-thread-count Mulmul for a kurta, I personally vet the fabrics.
- Fittings: I insist on 1-4 fittings because an outfit that doesn't fit right just feels like costume, not fashion.
Sustainability & Second Chances
Part of my creative process is also knowing when to look back. I love upcycling. If you have an old saree that has been sitting in your cupboard, let's talk about turning it into a modern waistcoat, a sharp pantsuit, or a new lehenga. It is about sustainability, and honestly, giving those beautiful, cherished fabrics a second life is one of my favorite parts of the job.
So, if you are looking for someone to collaborate with to create something that feels honest, comfortable, and uniquely yours, let's connect.
Ashley Rebello
I'm Ashley. I don't just design clothes; I tell stories through them. Whether I am scouring the markets in Jaipur or working with my team in Mumbai, my focus is always on making sure your outfit feels as authentic as it looks.
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