Gargi Bansod gets talking to some of the upcoming designers who will be showcasing their collections at Lakme Fashion Week for the first time
The much awaited fashion extravaganza, Lakme Fashion Week, starts tomorrow. This phenomenal event will witness innovative concepts, funky trends and new talent in the industry. LFW is one of the most prominent platforms for fashion in the country today with a special category of Gen Next Designers. So amongst the excitement, nervousness and the last minute alterations, we catch up with a few of the new but talented designers in town…
Payal Khandwala
Tell us about your brand.
As a painter, what excites me the most is the freedom to manipulate pigment. Simply orchestrating colour can give a canvas a pulse and bring a painting to life. My approach to clothing is like my approach to art. I treat the body as just another medium, a different type of canvas.
What and who inspires you?
My art is inspired by the human form, colour, texture and structure. Drawing from the works of abstractionists such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, they are dramatic yet minimal, with an attention to detail.
How does it feel to be showcasing your work at LFW for the first time?
It’s definitely exciting and I feel grateful to have gotten this opportunity.
Tell us about your collection for LFW.
This collection is a celebration of personal style; individual and timeless. The silhouettes are fluid and long, not overtly masculine nor too feminine. They are made keeping in mind the contemporary woman, independent and intelligent and with a refined aesthetic; strong yet graceful, with an opinion and a need to express herself and someone who enjoys luxury but not at the expense of her comfort.
What trends do you see being big in 2012?
I'm not fixated on trends and I don't think people should be too concerned with upcoming trend forecasts.
Any advice for someone who wants to start a career in fashion?
Be prepared for hard work and remember to enjoy it.
What’s the best thing about Fashion Week?
It's a culmination of your ideas on a stage with all the drama, the music and models to assist your vision. I like the theatrical aspect of Fashion Week the best.
What’s the worst thing about it?
I'm guessing it'll be the two short minutes I’ll get to change the models into the clothes backstage!
- Catch PLAY, an illustration of deep jewel tones, nuanced neutrals and fresh whites by Payal on March 3 at LFW
Manoj Kumar & Vinod Bhardwaj
Tell us about yourselves and your brand.
We both are currently studying fashion designing from INIFD in Chandigarh. We are good at sketching and carving wood. Our brand, Antariksh, includes all objects — living and non-living. Fashion wise, we can get you your dream under one roof.
What and who inspires you'll?
As artists, we get inspired by what we see. It can be anything and our minds will use it as an inspiration to help us create new things.
How does it feel to be showcasing your work at LFW for the first time?
We can’t describe our emotions! We are very excited about our show as it is a big platform. We’re also really looking forward to meeting big designers such as Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Ritu Beri and Vikram Phadnis.
Tell us about your collection for LFW.
Our collection, Infinity, has been inspired by the banyan tree. Life is endless in term of spirituality and is a continuous process. So, keeping this in mind, our collection is a combination of gathering, pleating and hand woven jackets with marvelous wood carvings which have been handmade by us.
What trends do you'll see being big in 2012?
We think very bright colours blended with dark ones will be seen in 2012.
Any advice for someone who wants to start a career in fashion?
When you enter the big world of fashion, you have to think differently from others, only then will you succeed.
What’s the best thing about LFW?
LFW always provides opportunities to newcomers. As we are gen next designers, it’s a big platform for us to be showcasing our work.
- Gen Next Designers students Manoj and Vinod will showcase their collection on March 2 at LFW
Ritika Bharwani
Tell us about your brand.
After doing my Masters from the London College of Fashion, I decided to launch a studio on my own, Ritika. The brand creates chic clothes, with an international appeal yet very Indian in terms of their drapes and silhouettes. The silhouettes, from short to floor length are amongst the most striking elements of my creations. The label caters to women of every age and creates opulent clothing ranging from tops, dresses and jumpsuits to contemporary Indian wear.
What and who inspires you?
I tend to get inspired by the architecture across Europe. With every piece I try to bring in an old world charm with a contemporary twist.
How does it feel to be showcasing your work at LFW for the first time?
This season at Fashion Week is my first as a showcasing designer. I think it is going to be a very dynamic and eventful season.
Tell us about your collection for LFW.
Delving into the past, I have drawn inspiration from goddesses of Greek mythology to create a collection for the contemporary woman who is distinguished by her desire to experiment with new silhouettes.
What trends do you see being big in 2012?
Bold mixing of prints. And with fashion’s focus on the waist, the use of peplums is definitely a favourite trend.
Any advice for someone who wants to start a career in fashion?
It’s very important to stay true to your inherent style and interpret your own personal style through your designs.
Give us one juicy behind-the-scenes piece of info!
Do watch out for the three looks of the season in my collection — flowing maxi dresses, draped short dresses with asymmetric hemlines and stylish wide-legged jumpsuits.
- On March 5, get a glimpse of Ritika’s woven fashion story at LFW