What do you think of four Fashion Weeks this year? Is it a benefit or
drawback? On a personal level, is it an advantage for you?
It's okay to have as many Fashion Weeks as you want. I think all the platforms should be allowed to emerge. Eventually things will culminate into an event that is more specific. The mother of all events will be more B2B
and specific. It will be more of a trade show and less of a Page 3 event. These multiple Fashion Weeks are good for the industry and good for business. They are important for creating noise and increasing business.
Why do you think plus sizes are not showcased on the Indian ramp as they are abroad?
No big models are plus-sized. There are separate Fashion Shows for that genre. I am doing seven different sizes for one of my brands right now. It may not be my top-end brand, but it is one of my brands. It doesn't make business sense to design very much for plus-sized women because all the "cool" stores in Mumbai have lean people as their clientele. I know it sounds shallow, but that's just the way things are right now. Personally, I can see the potential that fashion for plus sizes has. It's a very niche area and if I had the business acumen, I would definitely develop it.
Do you think we take size zero too seriously while the rest of the world is
opening up to curvier figures?
There will always be those. It's a part of our culture -- there will always be a younger generation that will shimmy in and endorse it. That, in my opinion, should be discouraged. Every generation should have its fresh set of ideas and rules. The perception of society should not be stagnant; it should keep changing and evolving.
Why have you chosen to showcase your collection at this Fashion Week, since you now have a choice?
I have exercised that choice. I am having a showing at the Lakme Fashion Week on the October 22, and I already had one at Delhi.
Do you think the global financial crisis will affect the fashion industry?
People will be spending less money right now, but hopefully, by the time these creations get to the stores, which is 8-12 months from now, things would have stabilised somewhat. I think the government should be able to iron out any serious problems.
What do you think are the trends for the next season?
Confidence and comfort. Be aware of what is happening in the fashion world, but don't follow trends blindly.
Text: Insiyah Vahanvaty
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