India has a variety of colours, styles, designs and fabric that have been around for hundreds of years, and come from varying regions of the country. There is so much to work with, and so much talent too. Why then is our position in the global fashion scene – in terms of successful designers and Indian brands – somewhat minimal?
I think the image that the world holds of Indians as designers is that of vibrant colours and flowing silhouettes. However that has changed drastically. We have been lagging behind in terms of tailoring, fits and finishing. Quality has somehow been the larger issue. This also is steadily changing as even Indian consumers are more demanding and understand fashion and its nuances. The likes of Parabal Gurung, Shrivan Naresh, Sabyasachi, Falguni and Shane Peacock have opened a whole new world for Indian fashion. So even though the presence may be minimal, the presence is strong and making an impact very quickly.
What do you think of the various fashion weeks in India? Any particular favourites? How would you rate these compared to others in Asia, say those in Shanghai, Japan or Hong Kong?
The Lakme Fashion Week in Bombay and the Wills Fashion Week in Delhi are the more dominant ones. Unfortunately, our fashion weeks focus on weddings and wedding galmour mostly, limiting talent and fashion to a large extent. Fashion Weeks abroad are huge events and a melting pot for a lot of creative minds and people who are passionate about fashion. Here, it is still about being ‘seen’ at the fashion week or spotting celebs. I think New York, London are so much more crazy, out there, experimental in terms of makeup, themes, presentation and clothes. You can spot clear trends. So in terms of Fashion Weeks, we have a lot of growing up to do.
What’s your opinion on the fashion sense among young Indian men and women today? Are we seeing interesting innovations, bold experiments and original accessorizing?
Definitely. The scene is rapidly upgrading itself with more and more people investing time and money to look god overall. The purchasing power is high, the youth want to spend today and live their lives along with smart investments. The only-saving mentality is passé. Brands are appreciated, designer wear invested in for special occasions by those who can’t afford them in their daily wear. Of course as compared to a London or New York, we still have to see people dressed up on the streets. However in pockets, posh suburbs and nicer localities you see a world of a difference and everyone is making an effort to be well turned out.
Which city do you think tops in terms of its fashion sense?
London, Milan, NYC are the usual suspects but a lot of rich Middle Eastern countries wear some fabulous fashion. Simply in terms of colours and inspirations all countries are a great representation of something unique; like Africa is gorgeous in terms of colours and prints and even silhouettes.
Global luxury brands are only just making their way into Indian malls and people’s wardrobes. Do you see more and more Indians buying these brands in the near future? Or do you think niche Indian brands will get more spotlight from consumers?
There is money in the market and people are aware, they travel more, they know brands and appreciate their value. Even the ones that don’t really appreciate brand value want to own it as a status symbol and that may not be a bad beginning for the seller’s market. Niche Indian brands also have a place in the market but like I said earlier, it’s unfortunately mostly to do with Indian wear.
Journalists, fashion bloggers, stylists and recently-turned designers too. How are Jasleen and Sonu able to handle it all?
We have our crazy days! But we usually divide work and it helps that we are totally in sync creatively. One knows what the other’s thinking so it all just falls into place.
You guys started your own range of accessories recently. What prompted this? What are your plans for the brand?
We believe that clothes can be basic but it’s your accessories that can dress a look up or down. Hence the scarves line that doubles up as accessories. These are ready, comfortable materials, need no ironing, and they represent our personalities: we are big fans of comfort.
What do you think of the fashion blogging scene in India?
Only in the past two years the number of blogs has tripled. When we started out there were 3-4 Indian bloggers. This change means blogging is growing and we can grow together as an industry, so it’s fabulous.
What’s the latest fashion trend in India that’s caught your eye?
We don’t know if this is Indian per say because Sonu and I follow our own minds and keep abreast with global fashion and it’s obvious that it influences us. Neons, satchel bags, shirts and collars are things we’re totally digging.
And maybe, some dressing tips for the coming winter? 🙂
It’s always summer in Bombay but for winter we love to layer instead of wearing just a bulky sweater. Use nice silk blouses with button-up cardiagans and overcoats. Or boyfriend blazers and capes are great for not so cold regions.
Fashion Bombay website – www.fashion-bombay.com
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