A Degree in arts at. Mount Carmel College, Bangalore; Masters in Economics at Stella Maris College, Madras; while preparing for the Indian Administration Services exams I decided to take design as a profession; Attended programme on sketching and presentations; Programme in Pattern-making, National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, Bangalore); Programme in Pattern Making and spec-drawing, NIFT, Bangalore; Programme on merchandising, NIFT, Bangalore; On-the-field experience, working with kalamkari and kasuti artists (traditional crafts); As a student of design, I was hurtled into prestigious events that propelled me into the design line
Statement: Designing to me is an art in itself with all arts participating .You must be an architect for your sense of measure, a sculptor for your silhouette, a painter for your palettes and a musician to realize the rhythm and movement of the dress.
On Design:
I believe in the provocative power of the underplayed. Restraint is my leitmotif. The structure and design of each is artfully cut on clean lines. The accent falls on cool elegance and perfect tailoring. The handcrafted ensembles testify my quest for precision and an eye for detail. Nothing is left to chance from the selection of silk linings to the manner in which a buttonhole is hand-bound. I believe in greater body freedom, comfort and function.
I am a serious designer. In a season full of giddy, colour-saturated fashion, my collection would stand out for its restrained maturity, with judiciously-placed blasts of colour. I always had a taste for simple with the extravagant.
All my collections find a comfortable balance of Eastern crafting and Western construction. I get accused of spending days getting the cut of a pair of trousers right. I’ve spent months perfecting the shapes of jackets and tunics. Essentially, that’s what I’m all about
On Fabric Development:
I believe in being involved in the evolution of every product – from its origin on the loom to it’s final destination on the shelf. I feel a deep sense of commitment towards the `creative art,’ which is how I regard fashion.
My deep motivation is to create distinctive exclusive fabrics of high quality. The use of natural fibers such as linen, silk and cotton is my way to express my respect towards materials coming from the earth and which will return to the earth.
Annually I launch new fabrics, unique textures and blends working with weavers and craftsmen to achieve this. Last year marked my tryst with Khadi, blending it with a cellulosic fibre and weaving my own cosmopolitan cloth – a combination of tradition and technology. The fabric evolved is eco-friendly.
I take my inspiration from the fabric, draping directly on the form. Designs flow therein.
Professional Activities / Experience: Launched label in 1995, set up studio and workshop; launched store in March 2002.
Stylist for shoots, ad films and fashion editorials: for high-end fashion products.;
Fashion Columnist: For The Times of India, Bangalore, for a year and a half, for a city-based monthly magazine for three years; for a weekly publication for a year; also contributed several freelance articles to reputed fashion publications.
Shows: First solo showing in 1995, followed by one in December 1996, a weekend of fashion at the Oberoi, May 1999; In association with the IBM I – series ThinkPad and Swarovski, in December 1999; With IBM ThinkPad in December 2000; in January 2001; Style in Black in association with Toyota in Jan 2001, August 2001 at the Lakme India Fashion Week; August 2002 at the India Fashion Week; `A Crystal Soiree’ at the F-bar (FTV bar and lounge, Bangalore) in association with Swarovski and Moet & Chandon in March 2003; An Evening to Remember at the f-bar, Bangalore, in April 2003, in association with Toyota; Style Unwired 2003, in association with IBM at New Delhi in May, 2003, Style Unwired 2003, with IBM, at the Taj West End, Bangalore, June 2003; Showing of “Structured Fluidity” at the Lakme India Fashion Week 2003 in Mumbai. “Nominated for the MTV-Lycra Style Awards as Break through Designer of the year” (Oct-2003); Showcased lounge-wear at a show at ABN Amro, Bangalore. (Nov. 2003.)
International showing: Hong Kong Fashion Week in January 2001, under the `Asia Pacific Designers’ Showcase,’ and again, in January 2002.. Since then, been an active player in the export market. Participated in the `Incredible India’ trade exposition at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2003; also taking part in a trade fair in Dubai in April 2004.
Brand Values: Unique Cuts ; Unique Colors; Innovative fabrics.
Design Statement: The garments reflect an elegant sensuality, are intriguingly feminine and have a modern attitude.