She’s dressed up not just Bollywood but even Hollywood stars, made Indian beauty queens look stunning at international pageants and added that extra edge to the wardrobe of international models. Neeta Lulla, arguably one of the most prominent faces of the Indian fashion fraternity, sure has students hanging on to every word, when she speaks. Despite the ultra-stylish, all-white ensemble drawing the gasps. In town to address students of the International Institute of Fashion Designing (iNIFD), on F C Road, she is friendly, chatty and relaxed.

First things first. What kind of scope, according to her does Pune possess, when it comes to fashion? “Due to its proximity to Mumbai, a lot of designing houses are now turning their focus towards to Pune. I personally think it’s growing in terms of fashion and awareness, and has what it takes to be the next fashion hub of the country.” A great forecast coming from a canny designer, whose designs straddle both Bollywood and the ramp, with equal elan.

At the moment she’s madly busy, putting her latest collection together, for the Seagram’s Fashion Show that will soon travel to Mumbai, Delhi and Dubai. “With the festive season coming up, my collection is going to be a vibrant one, with pastel colours holding forth,” is all the information she’ll share.

And what sartorial advice would she offer to Pune’s fashonistas ? “Bling accessories are really hot this season. As are bright colours for the upcoming winter. Dual tones rule, as do feminine frills such as lace and layered textures. Also, stylish embroidery on just about anything—from kurtis to shirts and skirts—is really going to dominate,” says the woman, whose uber-feminine designs for the lovely Ash have wowed critics over the years.

However, she throws in a word of caution. “Just because something is in, doesn’t mean you have to blindly follow it. When in doubt, go for classics and elegant colours. You can’t go wrong with those.”