Sahiba J. Singh adding a new meaning to Sikhs’ style statement

CHANDIGARH - Though Sikh boys are usually not found walking the fashion ramps but Sikh-styling, which is the art of developing fashion for the turbaned Sikhs, is coming up here and attracting many youngsters.

Sahiba J. Singh’s styling is not only helping Sikh models acquire a good look, but also enabling them to develop a personal style statement.

Sahiba, a fashion graduate from Mumbai, who claims to have worked with ace designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, has created her own style in Chandigarh city during the last five years.

Hailing from a Sikh family, Sahiba wants to add to the style statement of Sikh bridegrooms.

Contrary to modern-day styling, Sahiba has made traditional styling her unique selling point. Calling herself a Sikh stylist, Sahiba boasts of having developed a specialty in designing Kalgi, Sehra or even the Kirpans.

Twenty eight-year-old Amardip Singh was looking for a dress, which could help him appear special in a family wedding. And he went to Sahiba J Singh’s boutique in Chandigarh which designs clothes exclusively for Sikhs.

Amardip was excited that finally Sikh men had an expert fashion designer to meet their special fashion needs.

“We are very happy with designers like her. It’s actually that she not just design for youngsters but for older people too. Her inspiration actually comes from the Maharaja Ranjeet Singh’s era what they used to wear. She wants to get that culture, and this is how everybody from youngsters to older people can relate to. Wearing a turban, walking around in designer clothes. It’s gonna give a boost to all generations,” said Amardeep Singh, a fashion enthusiast and customer of Sahiba.

“Tying turban and feeling confident in it is a feeling one feels is usually missing in a lot of men-young or old. So I wanted it to make their confidence in turban remain intact. That’s why I started designing turban and accordingly matching garments for those turbans. So that they can feel complete. I believe the designer turbans will motivate youngsters develop love for it and always keep the turban on their heads,” said Sahiba J. Singh.

Sahiba’s clients appreciate her work and dedication to promote the beauty of turbans among the youth.

“This is new concept and as the designers herself says that she is from Bombay so I think this is a welcome change in the city and also the much appreciated thing in the city,” said Harjiv Sethi, Sikh fashion enthusiast.

The list of Sahiba’s clients include the likes of Vikram Chatwal, singer Malkit Singh and former cricketer-turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Besides, Sahiba has also brought out two ‘Sikh fashion’ calendars that feature men and women in royal robes.

Sahiba has glamourised the turban by using different fabrics and accentuating it with Kalgis.

Even her prêt line boasts of a smart mix of traditional charm with contemporary styling. By Sunil Sharma (ANI)