With its fluid silhouettes, hand-drawn prints, and sunlit palette, Charu and Vashundhara’s Sierra is more than a festive collection; it’s a quiet celebration of memory, mood, and meaning. Rooted in restraint yet unapologetically expressive, the line reflects a new wave of Indian fashion that values adaptability over excess. In this conversation, the designer unpacks the collection’s inspirations, from colour stories to modular styling, and why emotional dressing matters today.
Charu And Vasundhara’s Sierra
Q1. With prints being such a major trend this season, what made now the right time for you to introduce them into your design vocabulary? How does Sierra respond to the larger print revival we’re seeing in fashion globally?
We’ve always approached design with restraint and intention, so moving into prints felt like a natural evolution rather than a reaction to a trend. With Sierra, we wanted prints to be part of the garment’s DNA, not just a decorative layer. Each floral motif is hand-drawn, placed deliberately, and in some cases, engineered into the structure of the piece. Globally, we’re seeing a return to prints that are thoughtful, architectural, and emotionally resonant. Sierra is our response to that print as presence, not ornamentation.
Q2. Pant suits and co-ords have become festive favourites in recent seasons. How does Sierra build on or challenge these trending silhouettes?
We’ve loved seeing women embrace separates and tailoring for the festive season because it speaks to a modern, versatile lifestyle. With Sierra, we’ve pushed that conversation further. Our pant suits in statement florals bring sharp lines through fitted jackets, while flare trousers add movement without heaviness. Co-ords and overshirts in the collection are modular; you can wear the full set for drama or break it down for an effortless day look. It’s festive wear that can live beyond the occasion.
Q3. Colour plays a key emotional role in this collection. Were you influenced by broader palette trends—like the Colour of the Year—or did you intentionally deviate to stay rooted in your own aesthetic?
We always begin with emotion, not prediction. The Sierra palette, ivory, butter yellow, sun-warmed orange, blush, pale lavender, and grounding black, is about light and memory. These tones evoke warmth, intimacy, and quiet confidence. While trend forecasts are interesting, our design language is about resonance over relevance. We prefer colours that hold personal meaning for the wearer rather than chase seasonal spotlights.
Q4. What are some key styling lessons you would offer to wearers of Sierra, especially for those looking to invest in versatile pieces that work across occasions?
The magic of Sierra lies in its adaptability. A printed overshirt can transition from a brunch to a mehendi; a floral blazer with flared trousers works beautifully for evening cocktails. My advice is to let the print breathe, keep accessories minimal and complementary. Play with modularity: layer a cape over a lehenga skirt for a wedding, then wear the same cape over trousers for a gallery opening. Invest in separates that can be restyled, and you’ll have a wardrobe that evolves with your calendar.
Q5. From butter yellow to sun-warmed orange, the colour palette is deliciously muted yet impactful. What emotional tone were you trying to set through colour this season?
We wanted to create an atmosphere of quiet celebration. Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, and destination weddings they’re joyful, but today’s wearer craves comfort and authenticity alongside beauty. Our colours are sunlit, soft, and grounding; they evoke nostalgia without feeling heavy. It’s a palette that whispers instead of shouts, leaving space for the wearer’s personality to shine.
Q6. There’s been a rise in emotionally driven fashion, where pieces feel intentional, personal, and less trend-chasing. How do you see that reflected in the Indian market right now?
Absolutely, and we feel deeply aligned with this movement. Our clients are increasingly asking: Will I rewear this? Does this feel like me? Emotional dressing is about choosing pieces that hold memory and meaning. In India, where festive wardrobes have historically been about grandeur, we’re seeing a shift to lighter, sculptural silhouettes, heritage craftsmanship, and fabrics that feel lived in yet elevated. Sierra is our nod to that sentiment, luxury that’s gentle, intelligent, and enduring.
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Q7. Which Gen Z celeb would you love to make a custom piece for and why?
I’d love to create something for Ananya Panday. She embodies this new wave of Indian fashion, playful, experimental, and unafraid of sculptural minimalism. A tailored floral blazer from Sierra with flared pants and a sheer cape would suit her energy perfectly: young, fresh, and rooted with a modern twist.
Q8. We’re seeing a lot of celebrities trade heavy-duty festive looks for sleek, sculptural silhouettes. Is this influencing the way you design?
We’ve always leaned toward structure and restraint, so this shift feels like the world moving closer to our ethos rather than the other way around. Sleek, architectural pieces allow for ease and memorability without weight. Our sarees, for instance, are designed to hold their shape without cumbersome layers, and our pant suits offer festive glamour you can actually move in. It’s about celebrating without compromise.
Q9. What’s one trend in celebrity fashion you think is on its way out and one that needs more love?
I think hyper-embellished, one-time-wear pieces are slowly fading; they feel disconnected from how people actually live now. What deserves more love is modularity and mindful styling pieces you can reimagine across occasions. Celebrities repeating or restyling outfits should be celebrated because it reflects a cultural shift toward conscious luxury. Sierra was designed with that philosophy in mind.
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