Designer Series: Kashveen Kohli
Kashveen Kohli: Founder and Designer at Aaryaa– The South Asian Fashion Label for women that constitutes soft silhouettes and delicate craftsmanship.
• When did you realize that you wanted to enter into the world of fashion?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the creative field- even as a child. Once I completed 12th grade in commerce I realized that I can use my creativity best in terms of clothes. That is when I decided I wanted to pursue fashion.
• Why did you choose fashion?
For me the best part of the day was getting ready and dressed up. Planning how to style my clothes every day before going out made me the happiest. Works of other designers inspired me and made me want to do the same.
• What inspires your designs?
I love nature, which is why most of my designs consist of floral prints or embroidery. I also like creating different types of drapes and hence a lot of my collections will have Indo-western draped outfits.
• How do you think the fusion of Indian and Western silhouettes are influencing today’s designing?
I think many Indian designers are starting to join in on the Indo-western trend. I specialize in Indo-western silhouettes because it creates fun looks that are different from completely traditional clothes. I want to retain Indian roots in these designs but at the same time add some fun elements from western styles. Adding a little hand embroidered detail to a dress just changes the entire look of a simple dress.
• What were the biggest challenges that you had to face during your journey in the fashion industry?
The biggest challenge is to create something no other designer has already created and to maintain originality. To create and come out with something better every collection. The industry is competitive and to sustain we need to keep creating continuously.
• Who, according to you, are best dressed individuals in India and Globally?
Bollywood actresses Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor. In Hollywood I would say I am a fan of Blake lively and her style.
• After so many years of designing, who is the one person you still dream of designing for?
That would be Deepika Padukone, without a doubt!
• Out of all the stunning collections, is there any one that is really close to your heart and why?
Yes, that would be the Autumn/Winter ’17 collection. (Previous collection)
I was facing some complications in my career at that point and decided to take a major step by getting my own studio and launching a collection that is completely different from my previous ones. This was the collection that was the turn around, and the response has been amazing!
• According to you, what was the most defining moment of your career?
The most defining moment of my career was when my clients started to personally contact me to thank me for the outfits and tell me how happy they were. It was truly rewarding when they accepted my hard work put into the collections and brought it to life by wearing it happily!
• What advice would you like to give anyone who is trying to get into the fashion industry?
Patience and hard work is something you need to continuously maintain. Don’t give up. Keep creating your best and you will eventually be recognized. Always treat your clients with supreme importance as they are the ones that will take your brand to places!
• What skills according to you are necessary to thrive in the industry?
The ability to think out of the box with every collection but at the same time to make sure it is wearable and loved by your clients. Key is attention to detail.
• Describe your creative process
I always look for an inspiration/ theme- which is usually nature-related as I love the motifs we can create from nature. I do a trend research and then sketch out my prints and decide on the details such as the embroideries. I then sketch my silhouettes incorporating the details and the fabrics.
• Favorite part of being a fashion designer
Designing my own clothes. Whether it’s a formal gown or just a cute dress, it’s always fun to wear my own creations!
• Your greatest strength and weakness
My greatest strength would be patience as it is one of the most important things to sustain in this industry.
Weakness would be to not being able to balance work and social life. Having to work for crazy number of hours without any break. Even when I’m at home, I am thinking about work. Setting aside some time for myself is so important and is something I find difficult to do.
• Something about background/upbringing that has shaped who you are today
I come from a background where my parents have always believed in me and let me make my own choices. They let me learn from my mistakes. I think this has helped me shape and make me into a more confident person today.
• What are some current fashion trends?
The major trend currently is long fitted silhouettes with drapes. A lot of fringe details. Versions of cape styles are trendy, which add a nice indo-western twist to an outfit. Also, floral prints in all colors are a huge trend.
• Do you use computer technology for the design process?
Yes. I use Photoshop for editing content to post on social media. The editing makes it look more defined and professional. I also use it to create my own prints. I mix it with hand painted motifs and edit it on Photoshop.
• How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is delicate and feminine with flowy silhouettes. I like pastel colors and a huge fan of pearls and beads. There is always a little pearl detail in my pieces. I like adding a touch of bling element to my formal outfits. My collections are a huge reflection of my personal style.
• How do you get unstuck creatively?
Whenever I am facing a creative block, I take a break from working on designs for a few hours. I try to sit somewhere else from where I was working, where I can think more clearly (a more peaceful environment or the outdoors). I usually imagine myself in a creation and that helps me bring out my best work!
Edited by Kushal Shah