Face off

So how did he get his first break?
quot;I got in touch with Wendell Roderiks while I was in Mumbai. I stayed here and worked with him for several years. Ialso worked for export houses side by side. I pretty much learnt on the job. When you work with an export house, you have to learn to become a stikkler about finish and cuts.quot; About two years ago, Savio started his own label which he retails here, and in Goa at Sosa8217;s a store in Panjim.

And are his designs for Mumbai any different from the ones for Goa?
quot;My designs are influenced more by my emotions than where and for whom. I am a very sensitive person and this shows in my work. When I am happy I use happy colours and when I am sad I stick to white and black.quot; His latest collection for Melange has 40 outfits and he says they are quite quot;freaky and fussyquot;. Savio likes to sell a lot of separates so that clients can do their own mixing and matching. quot;The head to toe look is out. It8217;s much more chic to mix a Chanel bag with a fashion street find. Women should put together their own look, according to their personality.quot;

Does he find it hard to sell his sensitive clothing inMumbai?
quot;There is a lot of acceptance for my work here, even though I can be very adventurous. For instance, at Shopper8217;s Stop, I am selling salwar- khameezes without dupattas. I have even slashed my fabrics and given them raw edges. I call it distressed fashion.quot;

Does that suggest he is distressed with fashion?
quot;Yes, people8217;s attitudes suck in this industry. Fashion is an art-form that has turned into a business. It is all about getting the best deal. Even models can be very difficult.quot;

Is that why he has not had a solo fashion show?
Well, Savio did participate in a group show in Goa recently, and also held a small showing of clothes at Shopper8217;s Stop about a month ago. quot;Shows are about naach and gana now and I think it is wrong. A fashion show should not be a social event, it should be for the press, buyers and clients only.quot;

How would Savio like to present his own showing?
quot;In an art gallery or something, and I would not like to have models on a ramp struttingup and down. I would present my show very differently.quot;

What about the other fashion designers? Do they have bad attitudes too?
quot;Designers are too insecure, they should learn to work together more.quot;

But Goan designers seem to be doing very well at the moment, why is that?
quot;A lot of people are coming to Goa and are seeing our work. It is very different to what you get in Mumbai or Delhi as Goan designers tend to use little or no embroidery. Our clothes are easy to wear and comfortable, so people can relate to it.quot;

And other passions apart from fashion?
Music. quot;I listen to all types of music. In fact, it8217;s my fantasy to date a musician. I would love to be a rock star8217;s partner.quot;