With the current production capacity over 10,000 pieces per month, her company also designs for brands such as Shoppers Stop, Pantaloon, and Westside. [break]
Infusion of vibrant detailing with minimalistic silhouettes is what you can find in her works. And maybe this approach of hers has earned her regular clienteles, like Indian actors Dia Mirza and Konkona Sen Sherma.
This designer, who has previously worked with fashion guru Ralph Lauren, was recently in Kathmandu to exhibit her creations. In a fashion event put together by PlayMySound, the Indian designer presented her collection alongside Nepali designer Shelsma Timilsina at Moods Lounge Bar, Tripureshwor. Here is a brief chitchat with Arshiya.
How did you get into this field?
My parents have been in the garment industry for 25 years. They also have fabric mills in Bhiwandi, India. So I grew up with clothes and fabrics around me all the time. Even as a child, I enjoyed designing. Hence I studied fashion and took it up professionally.
What are the basic things that a fashion designer should consider while designing?
The clothes I produce are youthful and trendy. Hence, fashion forecasts are an important thing for me as a designer. Though I don’t follow them blindly, I like to use elements that work with my collections.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?My designs are usually inspired by small things that I come across in my daily life. It could be a design on a pillow, or the details on a shoe. Finish and Fit is extremely important.
There are a lot of interesting details in your silhouettes? How would you explain this facet of your work?
I try to invest as much time possible in designing. Many times, after the garment is ready, I spend hours looking at it and creating ideas that would make it more exciting. I enjoy designing, so the details come instinctively. It’s this detailing that gives a garment my signature. Undoubtedly, the devil’s in the detail.
What, according to you, has been your biggest achievement as a fashion designer so far?
My biggest achievement as a fashion designer has been the fact that I’ve been able to create a designer line that keeps me creatively challenged, creating a pret line, doing designing and producing for private labels, doing film costumes, doing reality show costumes and doing uniforms for corporate clients. I think my skills to multi-task and my desire to learn new things and grow has taught me a lot over the years.Are you more of a prêt-a-porter or haute couture designer?
I’m definitely more of a prêt-à-porter* designer. I believe trendy, fashion-forward clothing shouldn’t be a privilege for just a few. It’s something that should be within the reach of the masses. That’s what makes a country fashionable. I believe India h as the potential to get there, but for that, designers have to make affordable pret-a-porter.
*A.k.a. RTW or “ready to wear”; right off the rack or peg.
Related story
Chanel: Iconic couturier Karl Lagerfeld dies in Paris
