Her True Colours

It was during my days at SNDT (Women’s University) in Mumbai. The work of amateur fashion students tends to be loud and over-the-top,but even at that time,my aim was to be commercially viable. Many things I did at that time,I’m still doing them — dhotis,saris and colour block work.

You seem to have an inherent sense of business.

No,actually I’m quite impulsive but I do think that fashion should not be treated as art; it’s business. If it can’t make you money,you should not be doing it.

Your designs are bold,edgy and colourful. Are they an extension of your own personality?

I can’t design a black-and-white collection one day,and an all-white collection the next. I think colour is my forte; a part of my inherited culture. I’ve seen my mother wearing bright colours,and my father also loves colours. The funny thing is that I don’t wear much colour.

What do you think about the whole craft revival movement in India?

It was only after we saw the McQueens and the Oscar de la Rentas inspired by India that we understood the importance of our culture. But a lot of young designers now respect

Indian crafts and that has helped revive Indian textiles.

Tell us your experience of designing for a movie.

Ekta Kapoor’s Kya Super Kool Hai Hum is my first Bollywood experience. I have always believed that you can either be a stylist or a designer because what we design for the ramp may not look good on the screen.

But people here have given me freedom to use my ethnic stuff even though it’s a comedy film. All said and done,if you want to make your clothes visible to the audience,films are the best way.

Who is fashion inspiration — in India or abroad?

Manish Arora.

Will you ever venture into retailing?

I was approached by one of the retail brands to do a pret line,but the pricing didn’t work out. I know people will like my stuff but they will not pay Rs 8,000 for a cotton sari. Retailing is about mass production; I think it’s too early for me and my brand. But surely,I will do that in a few years.

How is the Delhi clientèle different from the Mumbai one,where you opened your first store?

It is easier to design for Mumbaikars since they dress casually for all occasions. For Delhi,there’s more velvet,louder colours and many patterns.

I have mostly stocked kurtas,anarkalis,saris,jackets,cocktail dresses with Kerala borders,and of course,dhotis.