Electric Years

The worst enemy of fashion is to become jaded; I wake up each day as if it’s my first day. A lot of people in fashion told me not to open this store,as I didn’t want to sell Indian wear. But people underestimate the audience and how progressive they want to be. Like Steve Jobs’ biography stated of him,I want to divine products that people will want to own.

Bombay Electric has been on several lists of the most beautiful stores of the world. How’s that for a high five?

We’ve had global fashion awards from fashion forecaster WGSN,the British Council and from a few magazines as well. I am delighted that people have enjoyed the experience. But it’s important not to take this too seriously,or else it becomes your goal.

What’s the best part about being a fashion retailer?

I love buying the most. I love choosing and putting together different stories. I also love to give people an environment where they can change themselves. I’d like to see Bombay Electric as a museum where people can come and interact with the design; they can try it on and take it home.

Who do you think is the Bombay Electric shopper?

It’s more of a state of mind than a characteristic or a profession. I mean we do have doctors and lawyers who come here,they don’t have to make something themselves to be creative people. They should want to explore ideas about who they are.

The great classicist Giorgio Armani said,“People may want explosive fashion,but explosions don’t last. They disappear and leave ashed.” How do you defend avant garde then?

I think it’s very important to separate the concepts of fast fashion and an obsession with newness. I have items from my store that are four or five years old and are still my favourites. Good design is timeless.

What’s new in your closet?

I’m wearing everything new at the moment; I like to redo my wardrobe once or twice a year. I’m in a very playful space right now. So I have this necklace with lips and eyes as motifs; it’s a prototype for the store. I’ve also bought myself neon wedges from Marni in Tokyo this week. These are my happy shoes.

What’s going to be new at Bombay Electric?

The first-ever Bombay Electric collection: the products are optimistic at heart and playful,and merge maximal colour with minimal silhouette.