Designer-stylist Aki narula's new collection for puma takes inspiration from india's unabashed obsession with colour and indigenous patterns, with a dash of Japanese origami thrown in

The next vest you'll sport while joggingu00a0 on your treadmill, will be inspired by the Katori cut synonymous with backless cholis women wear in Rajasthan. The new collection of accessories, garments and footwear for Puma,
created in partnership with stylist and designer Aki Narula, is in the stores now, ready to startle your senses with its funk-and-pop appeal. In June 2009, Aki had promised a spring/summer 2010 collection replete with mix-and-match, retro-meets-sports pieces inspired by street fashion. A whimsical streak to designs dunked in pails of colours is what we were asked to look out for.

Fast forward to February 2010: he has delivered on most counts, letting India creep onto the creations, whether in the form of Henna motifs on flip flops, Khoti-inspired track pants, Rajasthan's Katori darts on vests or neon braid details on shorts, anklets and belts. "My styling is strongly influenced by Indian street fashion, and John Travolta's Saturday Night moves from the 70s. Since this collection was slated for a February launch, with Holi around the corner, I wanted it to showcase the colours of Rangoli,"u00a0 he says.

Incidentally, when Aki was first approached to design a collection, the idea of sharing rack space with Puma's old-timer and British designer Alexander McQueen got him excited. "I am still in shock about McQueen's sudden demise. His talent wasn't pigeon-holed to couture; he was equally great with pru00eat, and brought credibility to sportswear," Aki said about McQueen, who committed
suicide on February 11.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels