Shekha Kandhari, a young and charismatic fashion designer hailing from our Capital city, personifies style and prowess. Her hard-work coupled with zeal and passion have paved way to have her own label named; Shekha K.
She believes, “Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”
How and when did you start as a designer?
The Journey to the Fashion industry began by getting enrolled in N.I.F.T as a Fashion Technology Student. After graduating from NIFT in 2006, I started working as a designer under a design label in Delhi. The real fashion industry experience began by working with export houses like U.S.I and T.C.N.S that helped me in understanding various aspects of fashion industry from Designing to merchandising to production. I enrolled in NIFT in 2008 to pursue Masters in Fashion Management and went to Amsterdam Fashion Institute to get insight into Fashion Branding. After coming from Amsterdam I have done a freelance project for Benetton. There are few other freelance projects like Lifestyle, Bangalore and ITC Wills Lifestyle in my work portfolio. In 2010, I started a Design Label “Shekha K” where all the learning’s from NIFT and while working in industry has helped in setting a base for this label. The Key input as a designer lies in giving new Silhouette references that could suit individual body type.
Could you please tell us about your label?
“Shekha K” forte lies in drapes and defining new silhouette. It creates feminine and sensual silhouettes. The Label emphasize on pleating and creating beautiful pieces that are aesthetically appealing and could cater to someone who are independent, love luxury and has beautiful inner and outer personality.
It is noticed that you have very vibrant shades in your colour palette, what is the inspiration behind picking such radiant yet soothing colors?
During Bangalore Fashion Week, my inspiration was “Art Forms in Nature”. As we can see Nature has given us beautiful birds with so many vibrant shades on their feathers that are radiant yet soothing and pleases our eyes. So these vibrant birds were inspiration behind picking such colors. To make the collection apt for Festive season vibrant color palette were used from Blues mixed with hues of blues to red mixed with pinks, purple mixed with light purple and green mixed with purple.
Could you please share your experience during Bangalore Fashion Week 2011?
The experience during Bangalore fashion Week was good as it helped in giving impetus through publicity and media interaction. It was very well planned and organized in terms of models, choreography, media and publicity.BFW tie ups with venue partners and media partners has made it a much known event. The interaction with Bangalore’s 91.9 FM and various other media channels has also given recognition to my Label and me as a designer. Though I expected more buyers. But overall it was an experience to remember.
According to you how strong is Bangalore with regard to fashion?
Bangalore has lot of potential to be a Fashion Hub because big players of Fashion industry are based in Bangalore like Arvind Brands, Madura Garments ,Lifestyle to name a few. With coming up of UB City Mall where big international designers like Paul Smith, Louis Vuitton , Burberry , Lanvin are housed makes Bangalore Strong in terms of availability of international Fashion brands after Delhi and Mumbai. The major population living in Bangalore follows casual dressing and traditional dressing and spends more on widely available fashion labels than buying exclusive designer labels. Therefore Bangalore still has to bridge few gaps to become strong in Fashion.
What are the differences you can spot in Indian fashion scene in comparison to world fashion scene?
Indian Fashion Industry is driven by manufacturers, exporters who in collaboration with designers churn out major revenue to make India known among Europe and U.S. Though India has always been looked as a source of manufacturing and embroideries but with coming up of Fashion weeks like Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week, Indian Designers are getting recognition in World Fashion Scene. The major difference in World Fashion scene and Indian Fashion Scene is that Indian designers cater to huge Indian traditional market whereas World Fashion Designers make more Western clothes that can be catered to major markets.
Please share something about you as a person with our readers
I describe myself as a self – confident artistic driven person who likes to explore new avenues in art, fashion and lifestyle. I always try to explore new aspects in life that I can do and achieve. I am a hard working person who believes that there is nothing that comes through shortcut.
During Masters in Fashion Management my outstanding academic score helped me bag a scholarship and opportunity to study in AMFI. My Journey as a designer has just begun but there is still a long list of achievements to come in future.
Could you please share some tips to accentuate a dull looking outfit?
A dull looking outfit can be accentuated by adding accessories like neckpieces or stole in contrast colors that can make the whole outfit complete with footwear that has contrast colors. As color blocking is very much in fashion so play with color block to make a dull looking outfit fashionable.
My future projects would involve tie – up with stores in Delhi for selling my label and I am planning to travel to explore new inspirations and gain lot of source and impetus for upcoming fashion weeks.
Your role model : Mother Teresa as she was a giver and true soul
Your dream show to showcase your collection : Paris
Most desired show – stopper : Kareena Kapoor
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Posted on 17 March 2011. Tags: bangalore based fashion designers , designer saree designers , fayo , indian fashion designers , yogitha ramamoorthy
Sheer beauty of a woman is best showcased with the sexy drape called saree. Yogitha Ramamoorthy, a Bangalore based fashion designer is known for her stunning style quotient in designing sarees the elegant way. Serenity, grace and beauty are showcased the best way in her designs.
Yogitha lives by the quote, “Every job is a self portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.” True excellence is that you would witness in her collection.
How and when did u realize that fashion is your cup of tea?
I always liked fashion! Nevertheless coming from a conservative background, it was tough for me to break open the barriers. Fashion industry was considered to be too way off in our community. Only after completing my graduation in English, I was allowed to get into fashion. My parents realized that I was quite enthusiastic about it and finally allowed me to pursue my passion, for which I am really grateful. After that, there is no turning back. And today, my family is proud of who I am!
Please tell our readers about your label and collection?
My label is named ‘FaYo,’ – taking the initials of ‘Fa’ from fashions and ‘Yo’ from Yogitha, basically an acronym for ‘Fashions of Yogitha!’ I started it just a year back and response is tremendous! My inspiration comes from the rich Indian heritage of fine designing and detailing.
My collection is based on classic and exquisite pieces that are entirely hand woven items, made without the assistance of any mechanical device! The motifs are generally in vibrant and rich hues! My characteristic style is the fusion of ethnic work with futuristic trends, to achieve a look that is unique and contemporary yet deeply rooted in Indian craft. I love working with handloom and natural fabrics. I believe that my forte lies in expressing complex designs in simplest ways.
When most of the designers are going behind indo – western or western garment making, what made you choose designer sarees?
Saree is one such ensemble that would make any ordinary woman look like a diva! It fits women of all sizes and ages equally well. Moreover, it’s no more just a traditional attire; the sari has now made its transition to the contemporary wear for the contemporary lady. In fact it has become an essential part of one’s wardrobe. In addition, saris have become a hot favorite with the western women too! I even have foreign ladies ordering my saris! However, I have not limited myself to saris! I do make kurtis and salwars and extended into making handmade bags as well! But, it all revolves around Indian ethnicity and prefer to stick to it.
How do you evaluate Bangalore as a fashion city?
Bangalore is sure a fashionable city. People here do give a lot of importance to dressing. In addition, they are quite open to experimenting. I have seen girls trying out new trends and they even carry it off with ease. Fashion events happening in every nook and corner is yet another proof.
What are your achievements in this field so far?
I have worked on numerous projects of fashion forecasting and creative conceptualization both nationally and internationally and my clients are all over the world. I have also had the privilege of designing for some renowned celebrities like Suhashini Maniratnam, wife of the legendary director Dr. Mani Ratnam. Till date I have done hundreds of fashion events that include the international fashion weeks as well. Taj Group of Hotels, Accenture, Duetches, Big Bazaar, Malayalam Manorama, Esprit, Schwarzkopf etc are some of my celebrated clients that I have worked with.
You are an all rounder in fashion. Apart being a designer, you are also a fashion choreographer and a fashion writer. Could you please share with us your expertise in these fields and which one appeals to you the most?
Fashion choreography is something we have been doing from college days. We used to choreograph are own shows and that continues till date. I love to maneuver shows – it’s fun, exciting and what’s more is that your creative power is unleashed.
Being a literature student, reading and writing has always been a part of me. Thus I got into fashion writing as well. I do write for fashion magazines, newspapers, literary journals and online fashion portals. I have also written a complete book on ‘Fashion & Styling,’ that is awaiting publication. Each one has its own appeal and fun in its own way.
How do you compare Indian fashion with world fashion?
Indian fashion is catching up immensely. The designers here are making a mark globally. There has been a drastic improvement in the past couple of years and I am sure it’s bound to get even better in the years to come. In short, the Indian fashion scenario is quite promising.
Do you have any favourite saree print or design? Please tell our readers about that.
Every design is like my baby! I don’t think I can differentiate between my designs. Some take ages to make, few are more about trial and error, however the end result is the same – I love it all!
You have had the chance to design sarees for the beauty pageant – Miss. Queen of India, 2011. Could you please share your experience?
It was a wonderful experience indeed and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I am particularly impressed with the determination and will power of today’s generation – the way each girl wanted to win the crown badly was an experience in itself.
What is your piece of advice to the upcoming talents in fashion?
Fashion is a competitive field -failures and set backs are bound to come our way. The key is to learn from the mistakes and move forward. Just stay focused and never give up, no matter what!
What are your upcoming projects or future plans?
I would like to take on the Indian craft globally. Indian fibers, embroidery and fabrics are known throughout the world for its magnificence and splendor. It’s unique, exceptional and one of its kind. We can do wonder with the resources available here. My motive is to work on these natural fibers and take it in a big way both nationally and globally. Considering aspects like global warming, I feel designers have a major role in promoting eco friendly fashion too.
Favorite designer : Ritu Kumar and Alexander Mcqueen.
One show you would love to do : Miami International Fashion Week
Bangalore Fashion Week (BFW) : Will happen soon!
Your dream show stopper : Angelina Jolie
Favorite color : Black – ‘Black’ is always fashionable in fashion.
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Posted on 10 March 2011. Tags: govind kumar singh , indian fashion designers , kimaya , lets design winner , upcoming designers
Dreams fuel your achievements. Govind Kumar Singh, the young and creative fashion designer has proved his excellence. He has represented Indian fashion in International platforms too.
Govind has been felicitated as the top upcoming Indian fashion designer, 2011 by the Cotton Council International, in let’s design season – 3. A fashion based reality show on Zoom TV.
His unending passion and dedication for designing has made him climb the ladder of success. He lives by the quote, “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”
How and when did you decide to get into fashion designing?
It was my dream since childhood to become a fashion designer. I used to sketch fashion outlines in my note books. I was good in sketching, I have won lots of painting and sketching competitions in school.
Please tell our readers about your label?
India’s biggest fashion house Kimaya is going to launch me in India and Dubai. I will come up with my signature style and also look on Kimaya clientele, which will be suitable for them.
How did you get to know about let’s design season – 3 and decided to participate?
I had participated in season – I , I was one of the finalist and I won the Best Prêt Designer Award in 2009, so this was second time when I was participating in this competition .
You had the chance to represent India in Indo – Swiss Fashion Show 2008 and Festival of India in Amsterdam 2008, please share your experience with our readers.
I was really lucky to get the opportunity to represent India in international level. When I walked on the ramp for the first time and represented India in, Indo – Swiss show that boosted my confidence. Along with me there were Swiss students too with their Faculties. when I entered the venue a faculty introduced me to others, “Meet Mr. Govind, he will represent India”. When I heard that I felt wow! I realized I am representing my country, and I have to do my best. I was very serious and conscious about my creations, and after the show my outfit was one of the best outfits under the – future category. Amsterdam show was also a good experience. There I got a great international exposure.
According to you what does Indian fashion lack in comparison to World fashion?
We are more or less known for Traditional Surfaces. We have to take care about garments’ fit, construction, and overall look.
Could you please share with us about your signature style?
I have my own unique style. I am known for my exciting unique fabric surfaces as creating new and innovative surfaces is my passion.
What is your take on India opting for eco – fashion this year? Do you follow eco – fashion or conventional?
Yes, I follow eco – fashion. I love to work with natural fibers and fabrics. I have designed eco friendly Jacket in regional round of Let’s Design 3 with all industrial west fabrics and I used natural dyes. Miss earth Nicole Faria, modeled for that outfit. Jury member and fashion designer Deepika Goivnd, Style Guru Prasad Bidpa highly Appreciated that design. It’s really important to keep Environmental issues in mind.
What are your achievements in this field so far?
•Winner Zoom TV Fashion Design based reality show Let’s Design Season 3
•Best Prêt Designer Award 2009 in Let’s Design season – I
•Most Creative and Innovative Designer Award 2010 in NIFT Graduation Fashion show
•Selected as Wills Lifestyle Debut Designer 2010 & and showcased Collection .
•Winner Chrysalis 2009 ( a national level fashion design competition )
•Represented INDIA in Indo – Swiss Fashion Show
•Designed Outfit Represented India in Festival of India in Amsterdam Holland
•Shot listed for Wills India Emerging Fashion Photographer Award – 2008
•Nominated for National Youth award 2005
•Participations in many National & International Design Competitions
What are your future plans or upcoming projects?
India’s biggest fashion house Kimaya is going to launch me in India and Duabi, so I am very concerned about my upcoming collection.
Favourite colour : Green. I really love all bright colours .
One show that you would love to participate : Paris Fashion Week
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