Tags:
Journalism of Courage
I started designing five years ago, and though I was always determined to succeed, I did not think then that I would come as far as I have. My work is considered saleable, I am responsible for the livelihood of 100-odd workers, I have eight collections showing at the same time at stores across the country and am now planning to branch out in London. And all this, considering I am a NIFT-reject. After I failed to make it into the institution, I went, instead, to Sophia in Mumbai.
I think the NIFT-episode made me all the more purposeful, I was like a woman possessed: looking back, I think I had a point to prove. I went on to win all the major awards during my time at Sophia and passed out in 93 with a first class. I then trained with Jasper Conran in London, where my mother stays and promptly unlearnt what I had learnt at college! Europe has such a different approach to fashion: everything is taken a lot more seriously. I remember we once spent the whole day discussing one single crease.
I have gained some popularity with clients and a standing within the industry, but I still shy away from fashion shows. The thought of having my collection ruined on the ramp just fills me with horror. Besides, I have never believed in hype. I believe that your work should speak for itself. I would rather have 140 women wearing outfits by me at a party than have a 1,000 women attend a high-profile fashion show and not buy a thing.
I design my clothes for the well-travelled and aware woman. But I believe that there are no rigid rules: a woman may want to wear different colours and experiment with a different moods all within the same season. Which is why I have a wide range for my collection this season, from whites to peaches and pinks 8212; which are back with a bang this year 8212; and two colours that I have introduced for the first time: chlorophile green and silver grey. Too much embroidery is passe these days, and for the first time, I have a clothes the white collection without embroidery. Also a first is the reasonable range, priced between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000 and comprising light embroidery with diamond-type stones and lace. It is a hectic life: I am in Calcutta for three weeks, then in Kochi where I live for the next three weeks. Sometimes I think I have taken on more than I can handle, but I wouldn8217;t want it any other way.
