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Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, Cindy Crawford, Zendaya, Deepika Padukone, Anoushka Shankar and now Akshata Murty. Who would have thought that all these women have something in common? But they do. Their love for the creations of Indian-origin designer Saloni Lodha.
Lodha has been living a “nomadic life” — juggling offices in different time zones, constantly travelling for work or play; while building her brand from the ground up and also being a mother to two sons. Perhaps that is what attracted these powerful, ambitious women to her brand.
SALONI, her eponymous label, which was founded in 2011, is known for its chic designs in innovative cuts and draws from Lodha’s own Indian heritage — as evidenced by the strong influence of hand-painted prints and pops of colours in her creations, which are now also her signature motifs.
Lodha was put on the global map by Emma Watson, who wore one of her creations to a talk show in 2009. And the rest, as they say, is history. From how it felt to have witnessed Akshata Murty wearing her label to the G20 summit, to how her love affair with design began in the first place and her future plans, Lodha revealed it all in an interview with indianexpress.com. Excerpts:
Q: How did it feel to know that Akshata Murty had worn your creation to the G20 dinner? What was your first reaction?
A: I was delighted and humbled to see Akshata Murty wearing SALONI at such an iconic event as the G20 in Delhi.
I was really pleased. Firstly, because she looked great, and second, because I don’t think my father has ever been prouder of my professional accomplishments than in that moment.
Q: How do you feel knowing you and your art have grown to a stage where people like Akshata are now seeking you out on their own?
A: Over the years, we have been blessed by the support of many successful and inspirational women. I always take great pleasure in seeing one of my dresses help enhance the natural beauty and confidence of the wearer, whether it is on a big stage or not.
Q: When did your love affair with design begin?
A: I came to fashion late, and by accident, but have always been creative and have drawn my inspiration from the vivid colours which enveloped me during my childhood in India.
Over the last twenty years, I have lived a nomadic life across six countries and run two offices in London and Hong Kong while living in Bangkok. It has given me a purpose to design for women like me who are on the go, busy but want to feel great in what they wear.
Q: Tell us about your design ethos. What have been your primary design influences?
A: I am not trend driven. I design for my customer. I am inspired by real women from all walks of life.
Q: How has your brand responded to the sustainability movement?
A: We focus on timeless designs, which can be worn again and again. They are not clothes that you are meant to wear for just one occasion. The most sustainable thing we can all do is buy less and invest in quality products.
This season, we worked closely with our partners to produce 20 per cent of our silk, with the finest quality of organic silk. We have a project called salonicycle that works with Rangsutra.
Q: You have dressed many A-listers. Who do you feel carries off your clothes the best?
A: The brand has grown organically through word of mouth and is much-loved by a loyal coterie of international women. Our collections have been worn by HRH Princess of Wales, Samantha Cameron, Queen Maxima, Cindy Crawford, Zendaya, Jessica Alba, Deepika Padukone, Anoushka Shankar, Sonam Kapoor over the years and I love how diverse all these women are.
Q: Who is that one celebrity you really wish to dress?
A: I would love to see SALONI on Cate Blanchett.
Q: What is next for SALONI and Saloni Lodha?
A: During the pandemic, I had more time to create a project that’s very close to my heart: Connecting For India (CFI), a social impact initiative with the vision to harness the power of connection and camaraderie in support of communities in India. I wish to create more projects to celebrate our collective humanness and creative spirit as a confluence between artists, artisans, the rural and the urban.
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