A classic fairytale of regional diversity, one of the most intriguing aspects of designer couple Aparna and Norden Wangdi lies in their ethnic origins. The intense girl from Madhya Pradesh, who has lived across India all her life and the essential sports boy raised in the picturesque Himalayan serenity made for a unique design entity.

That might just explain some of the almost startling allure running across their creations. Shades and colors appear to have a mind of their own. The design techniques conform to no particular principle. The choice of fabrics contradicts convention. Yet the resultant impression is one of feel-good harmony.

Between the two, their educational background comprises some of the better known institutions in the capital including National Institute of fashion technology (NIFT), St. Stephen’s College, Indraprastha collage, Modern School (Barakhamba) and DPS (RK Puram). It was NIFT, that brought them together, where they honed their early skills.

After graduation it wasn’t long before they realized their dream of setting up a design studio of their very own. Freefalling came into being in 2000, marking the culmination of their joint sojourn across a multitude of fields. The duo undertook contrasting routes in their quest to gather expertise and knowledge. Norden chose to head overseas to USA, acquainting himself in the areas of merchandising, manufacturing and marketing along with design. Aparna set about refining her skills in design in theatre, textiles, product and interiors, both of which proved invaluable in defining the standards of their eventual label.

For a label that began life inspired by the stirring strains of a Tom Petty classic, Freefalling by Aparna and Norden Wangdi has earned its share of attention for its presence in the India Fashion Week since 2001. Brazen stunts like wire mesh masks on models, themes as unexpected as Rag Dolls, the saucy shoes which are developed for each collection which accessories their show. Their collections which play with different elements each time have caught the eye of the discerning fashion critics time and again.   Elle anointed the duo as being among the top eight talents in 2003. A year later Couture Asia bracketed them two notches higher. Elle again singled out Aparna in 2005 to honor her with nine other women super achievers.

The label has a distinct look, set apart by the tasteful juxtaposition of fabrics, very vividly contrasting colors put together in an interesting manner to highlight a seam or panel  and the silhouette. Instead of using stones and sequins as embellishments, extensive surface texturing creates a persona in their garments. Surface embellishments like fabric rouching, fabric on fabric texturing, gathers, pleats, smocking, panelling, pin trucking, details of threadwork on seams, all celebrate the all-important cut of the garment. Essentially western silhouettes, the cut variations boldly tackle techniques. Also prominent is the vivid contrast in hues that challenge stereotypes with a stark seam or an unconventional panel. Ombre dyeing, tie and dye, block printing and screen printing with unique prints, developed  for each collection, are used with aplomb.

The fabrics which are used by the couple are generally totally natural with an occasional net or velvet detailing the garment. Cotton voils, cottons, silks in all diffrent weights, chiffons and georgettes are the favorite choice, which are subjected to many different ways of texturing before being turned into a garment with its identifying look. Layering of different fabrics in different lengths is an essential look of the label.

Aparna and Norden Wangdi have combined their abilities to achieve the best result which is evident in their success. Their clothes are retailed from design stores all across the country, among them Ogaan Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Bombay Electric, Aza Mumbai, Cinnamon in Bangalore and Cochin, Collage in Chennai and Bangalore, Sosas in Goa are among the few from the list of  stores they retail from in India. Their retail presence also transcends geographical boundaries to the US, UK, Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries.

Aparna and Norden, within their company under the aegis of Ollatin, are not restricted to only Fashion. They have also extended their design expertise to a number of resorts, restaurants and stores. They have done various uniform design projects for hotels and spas. A noteworthy foray in theatre has been for the costume design in the Indo-French opera production, The Fakir of Benaras, with a cast of hundreds. They were invited to do a solo show for Mahindra Motors design award ceremony in Mumbai.

Earlier this year, the couple was credited with taking Indian fashion to the remote reaches of the North East with the opening of OLLATIN in Gangtok, Sikkim. The store stocks designerwear, the likes of Rahul and Gunjan Arora’s label Sirali, Sunita Shankar’s Anoushka, Samant Chauhan, Ashish panday and Sonam Dubbal. Mumbai’s Lisa and Shafique for accessories, apart from their own label, now simply known as Aparna and Norden Wangdi or A&NW.

Ollatin offers different strokes for different folks by housing collections for girls, women, men and linen for kids which is a special collection designed by Aparna and Norden for the store. They also stock Indian wear and very stylish accessories like bags, belts and shoes. Ollatin holds the distinction of being the first designer boutique for the entire north eastern region of the country and the duo plans on opening more in the area soon.