‘Hat’tricks up her sleeve
Hailing from the Poonawalla family, fashion designer Delna focus on race day attire
By : sushmita murthy
Update: 2014-10-15 22:38 GMT
Delna Poonawala, of the famous Poonawalla family, has made heads turn with her race day fashion wear comprising funky interpretation of hats and fascinators besides a wide range of apparel. She says that her interest in fashion began when she was a little girl. “I loved watching my mum and grand mom getting ready for the races and waited for the moment when I would get to wear a fancy hat. I believe this is when my interest in fashion and hats came into being. Horses are magnificent creatures and they deserve nothing less than well-turned out spectators who can appreciate their beauty and grace,” she says.
She and her family have been largely instrumental in promoting race-day fashion. Elucidating on the idea, Delna says, “The Poonawalla Breeder’s Multi-Million came to life 25 years ago. This race was instrumental in bringing fashion and sports together like India had not seen before.” The historical context of the Derby cannot be ignored either, as she points out. “Indian racing tradition was born with the English bringing it to India. At the Ascot Racecourse, fashion was at the forefront, with people taking utmost care to dress in an appropriate way. Covering the crown of the head was necessary when in the presence of the Queen. So there was a certain protocol to be followed at the races and the excitement was palpable, to watch and to be watched,” Delna adds.
The designer goes on to talk more about the family legacy. “My grandfather was the pioneer and he started breeding horses in 1946. My dad and uncle have taken it further to an international level. My dad’s passion for this sport has been instrumental in putting India on the world map today, even winning in Dubai with one of our champions Mystical.
I have grown up surrounded by these magnificent yet gentle animals. I have been born into it and the love for these animals runs through my veins. It is a sport that not everyone understands,” Delna says. One of her favourite memories is from the time when she was five. “The exhilaration of riding my pony alongside my twin sister in Kashmir amidst a hailstorm is something I will never forget.”
A student of St Mary’s school in Pune, Delna later went on to study at the American University in London. “I was also a part of Fashion International at London Fashion Week. Having studied fashion in London, it holds a very special place in my heart, and being part of the fashion week held there and having the honour of opening the grand multi designer show, is a step towards achieving my goal,” she says.
An animal lover to the core, Delna finds great joy when she is around furry creatures and that’s how she likes to unwind too. “Being around horses and dogs gives me great joy. I also like to go for a walk or a run at the racecourse, straight after work or get a lovely acupressure massage to relieve stress when I have the time,” she says.Delna finds her inspiration in travelling. “It helps one capture life beyond their imagination.
London holds a special place in my heart with its architecture, beautiful parks and amazing shopping destinations — not only for their designer labels, but also for their quirky fashion from Selfridges and to the charming Spitalfields market. They never fail to refresh and inspire me. I also like exploring the various quaint cities and towns around Europe. My next stop is Prague and Budapest,” she says.