Unveiling her winter fall collection at her couture store, Anjuman, in Friend's Colony in South Delhi, early last week, Ms Modi says her current collection follows the underlying philosophy of "make me feel good". She says: "Fashion remains decidedly out of fashion for the moment, the consumer is prepared to indulge herself on a piece of clothing that makes her feel better or brings a sense of luxury to the severity and uncertainty of her current daily life."

Ms Modi designs garments that are given structure by the fabric woven according to the designer's imagination. "My clothes have a soul that highlights both the beauty of the craft and the personality of the wearer, a softer feminine look, with a minimalist approach," Ms Modi says. Ms Modi is a textile and fashion designer, who has learnt her craft from various institutes in India and the UK. She has also undertaken specialised courses in vegetable dying and handloom weaving. Using her professional training, she uses dark, sombre colours, but lit with bright accent neon lights "that dance in the dark".

Most of her clothes employ Indian styles, especially the Rajasthani laharia cut. She specialises in making long flowing skirts meant for weddings, cocktail parties, or simply staying at home in, reading and dreaming.

Ms Modi uses silk, Dupion and viscose along with matt and shiny velvets, satin and jersey. She uses ornamental patterns, lots of trims and metallic embroidery and crystals. Her cotton garments cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 7,000, silks between Rs 5,000 and Rs 9,000 and her couture range between Rs 15,000 and Rs 75,000.

You can view her garments at: Anjuman, A-51 A Friends Colony East, New Delhi 110 065; E-mail: anjuman@vsnl. com.