A Look into Priya Ahluwalia’s Cultural Inspirations
When it comes to Priya Ahluwalia’s designs, the draped, sexy, body-hugging silhouettes are perfect for a night out on the town. From one-shoulder emerald green satin dresses to printed jersey tops with head-drapes, her pieces exude confidence and allure.
But what many may not realize is the deep cultural influences that shape Ahluwalia’s aesthetic. Drawing from her experiences of dressing up in both Nigerian and Indian traditional clothing for family gatherings, she seamlessly blends elements from both cultures into her designs. “It’s something that’s really prevalent in our womenswear—I’m always looking at the way Nigerian and Indian clothing drapes,” she explained.
For Ahluwalia, embracing traditional dress is a way to connect with her roots. Whether it’s donning Nigerian Ankara fabric and gele headpieces during visits to Lagos or wearing a traditional sari at Indian weddings, she cherishes these opportunities to celebrate her heritage through fashion.
This season, Ahluwalia delved into the theme of “cultural archiving,” exploring how information evolves over time. Her research led her to places like the V&A museum and the Black British Archives, as well as Adriano Pedrosa’s book Afro-Atlantic Histories.
These cultural influences are subtly reflected in her designs. From a man’s long-line wool jacket inspired by a vintage Kohli coat to textured tweed pieces reminiscent of old family videos, Ahluwalia’s collection is a tribute to preserving cherished memories. Even her etched denim prints draw inspiration from cave paintings, adding a layer of cultural significance to her creations.
While this season’s collection may be smaller due to the absence of a traditional runway show, Ahluwalia used this opportunity to focus on experimenting with textures and materials. She also shifted her focus towards strengthening direct-to-consumer relationships, a trend seen among many independent designers in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Ahluwalia remains committed to showcasing her designs on a larger platform. She plans to return to London Fashion Week in September, promising a comeback that will surely captivate audiences with her signature blend of cultural heritage and contemporary style.
