Designs from the valley

Designer Nandita Thirani has been in the fashion industry from the last 24 years. She started at a time when there were not many designers as well as options for designer stores in Kolkata. Since then, there has been no looking back for her and the designer has been successful in adding a surprise element in all her collections.

In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, Nandita gets candid about her life as a designer.

Your latest collection looks dreamy...
The collection is called ‘Zoon’ and is a revival of Kashmiri embroidery. It is a very romantic collection and the theme is inspired by and dedicated to the life of Habba Khatoon who is known as the ‘Nightingale of Kashmir’. Through the collection, I am celebrating hope and the real beauty of Kashmir. The ensembles in this collection have traditional silhouettes with bright colours mixed with earthy tones and a Bohemian aesthetic signifying the free-spirited, colourful and young woman. I have primarily used silk, georgette and net in the collection.

The three things that you would absolutely like to have if you are trapped on an island...
Toothpaste, my phone and probably a book. I wish I could take my dogs but I don’t think I can feed them well there. (laughs)

The most difficult part of being a designer...
Creating something different in every collection is one of the main difficulties. Apart from that, this industry is not very organised which sort of gives us a heartburn. Also there are times when something goes wrong with an outfit and to set it right without having to make the garment again is a task in itself.

One thing that you would like to change about the fashion industry...
There has to be more professionalism. It is a very unorganised sector and we need to take it more seriously.

Your style of work.
I specialise in hand-embroidery and my silhouettes have that touch of timelessness and a Bohemian look.

The most difficult fabric to work with and your favourite.
The most difficult fabric has to be neoprene whereas I love working with net, georgette and velvet.

If not a designer...
I would have been an animal activist.

Anyone in particular you would like to work with...
Dimple Kapadia and Kangana Ranaut. I love their personality and the way they carry themselves.  

Any advice to young designers...
Have a lot of dedication towards your work.