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Galleria 2004
 Poonam
Soni
Starting up: Married at 18, Poonam Soni shifted to
Mumbai from Delhi and like any teenager, it was her restlessness
that induced her to take up something she’s never had exposure
to before. “I started off with jewellery designing in 1989
at a time when jewellery was not classy enough,” she says.
Unlike the conventional 22 carat gold pieces, Poonam introduced
18-carat gold jewellery with semi-precious stones. “My designs
actually spread by word of mouth. I never really had any professional
marketing strategy,” explains the designer. Poonam’s design
mantra is innovation. 15 years into the industry, she wants
her signature line (now in Mumbai and Hyderabad) to be globally
acknowledged along with international brands.
Career highlights: Poonam’s first show in Delhi in
1994 soon followed by the opening of her customised boutique,
was a big milestone for her. But what she credits as her biggest
highlight is her association with Japan’s well-known label
Takaya Gems as their head designer.
Signature look: Poonam Soni Signature Line boasts of
multi-faceted jewellery that is made on geometrical lines.
They boast of colours and flamboyance. At the same time, her
collection also is in lieu with international trends.
Price range: “Satisfaction is the key to all my pieces.
Therefore, price is secondary. I have jewellery for buyers
coming from various rungs of society. So it largely varies,”
she explains. There is no upper limit as far as her high-end
pieces of jewellery is concerned. Key clients: Poonam’s clients
range from industrialists like the Hindujas, Kotharis etc
to Bollywood personalities. She is also very proud of her
recent association with ICICI where she has createed exclusive
designer jewellery for the bank’s privileged clients.
Season’s must-haves: This season’s trend is to follow
the international look. Subtlety and elegance are key words.
Also, one should ideally go for lighter colours.
Timeless buy: “Solitaires set classically. A diamond
adorning a woman is the ultimate compliment.”
Golden words: One should wear jewellery that is in
sync with one’s personality and climatic conditions. “For
instance, one should avoid the colour red during summers and
should ideally go with pastel shades.”
Aindrila Mitra
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