Crowning Glory

Design is a dynamic process, expressing eternal transition in concept and form. Evolution has become a constant in contemporary design vocabulary, be it the transformation of everyday objects like chairs, changing trends in fashion or the makeover of personalities. Seizing on the fluidity of design as a thought, Pallavi designed the exquisite crowns that perfectly embody dynamic form.

Presenting the crowns for the Ponds Femina Miss India contest- three pieces of innovative design engineering to take the universe's breath away! Miss India Universe, Miss India Earth and the Tiara's.

The designer of the crowns, Pallavi Dudeja Foley , rose to the challenge of discarding typical crown shapes and heading into a brave exploration of unusual and unconventional forms, colors and design. Her extensive research convinced them that breaking with tradition and defying structures was the way to go. To produce pieces that had an edge were radical, yet not too bizarre to be acceptable to the large cross-section of people. 

The crowns were rich with design elements, yet beautiful; and supremely elegant, yet comfortable.

The Ponds Femina Miss India Universe crown is a marvel of design ingenuity. Weighing 450 g and encrusted with 2000 stones, its form is inspired by the galaxies. The impossibly delicate strands with precious crystals radiate out like shooting comets. The round brilliants and baguette diamonds on the lower end of the crown signify the ever-revolving orbits of the planets, set as they are asymmetrically, and reaching almost all the way around. The lowest circle is composed entirely of trillions, special triangular shaped stones in a beautiful, close setting that required great craftsmanship to achieve.

This crown has the perfect cosmic blend of elements, very like the universe itself. The large red stone, set slightly on the side, is the symbolic, stylized 'tikka'. With the unique feature of a prong setting with stones, it radiates the pure energy of the stars in its color and setting. The smaller red stones randomly placed along the strands blend effortlessly into the white, engendering a sense of surprise. The asymmetry of the design is countered by the sheer balance of the proportions- the red stone is balanced by the beautiful starburst on the other side. Form combines with color and function- 18 carat gold with diamonds and crystals set in a highly unconventional, dynamic shape. Yet worked exquisitely to make sure it sits just right on the winner's head.

Pallavi Dudeja Foley
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