"Fashion is a lifestyle"

Most people spend their whole life trying to achieve their goals or to be successful but there’re also a few lucky people who grab name, fame and money in a short time and Bishwo Gautam is one of them. Gautam, who is also known as a self-made man, is a very popular name in the Nepali fashion industry. His designs aren’t only making a mark in Nepal but are also going international. He’s currently busy with his own boutique “Designer Collection” and shootings. Excerpts: [break]







You’ve managed to create a buzz in Nepal’s fashion market in a short time. How did it happen?

Actually it’s not a short time. I’m in this field since 2006. It’s true that I was not much in the media though I was doing my work with international client/buyers since my early days. In 2011, when I launched my own label “Bishwo Gautam” from the solo show “Lead of Fusion”, people started to notice me. I gained more recognition after I designed dresses for the winners of Miss Nepal 2012, Shristi Shrestha, Nagma Shrestha and Subeksha Khadka.



How do you find the present fashion scene in Nepal?

There’re lots of changes in terms of fashion compared to the past. Today, people are aware about the true meaning of fashion and they’re trying to implement it in their lives too. Now, most of the people know the fact that fashion is not just clothing and make-up. But it’s a lifestyle which includes every activity of our daily life.



Is Nepal’s fashion scene constantly changing?

Not exactly. As our fashion is limited within the capital, people outside Kathmandu Valley aren’t really conscious about fashion and its importance. So, I don’t think it’s good to analyze Nepal’s fashion only by looking at the people in the capital.



How is the fashion market at present?

Now, fashion falls under people’s basic needs and people are realizing it. They’re showing interest in new fashions, brands and trends which is a sign of development. Overall, it’s good and developing, and one can survive in this profession.



How competitive is the field of fashion designing?

As I mentioned before, fashion in our country’s scenario is still at a developing phase. But once it develops in real sense, then surely there’ll be a huge competition in this field. For now, there’s not much competition. But when we look at international level, there’s huge competition in fashion designing as there are very talented people.



What are the main characteristics of your designs?

The main characteristics of my designs are quality of work, good fabric and creativity according to the theme.



Who are the main clients of your designer wears?

There’re many clients. It’s hard for me to mention the names of only a few.



How affordable are your designer wears?

The prices range from the highest to the lowest. It depends on the quality of dress and design as well. Most people assume that designer dresses are too expensive, which isn’t true.



What needs to be done to develop fashion market?

First of all, new technology should be developed in fashion sector. Many designers here are still using old equipments. And people should change their old mindset and welcome new trends and lifestyle.



What are your suggestions to the fashionable people?

Fashionable people are already aware. So I don’t think they need my suggestions. However, I would just like to ask them to analyze the fashion scenario and follow the current trends. This is not just for the fashionable people but for everyone.



By Pratibha Rawal

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