Feature
Issue 2
December 2024
(Print and Online)
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Here are interview excerpts:
Your designs don’t follow any trends. You had to bet on your personal style. Was it a difficult decision to make? Did you have any doubts?
Choosing to stick with my personal style wasn’t hard at all. I was tired of following what everyone else was doing. Besides, my style is not overly bold or extreme—it’s more like a second skin, subtly unique. However, I did have financial doubts. I constantly questioned whether I’d be able to sustain the business and keep the brand alive.
Ironically, one of the biggest challenges now is people asking me to make ballerinas. With so many shops offering them, there’s no shortage! Still, I refuse to copy or replicate what’s already out there—it feels like cheating. I don’t believe in that. Nevertheless, I do understand that we’re all influenced by our surroundings. Occasionally, a trend might slip into my designs unintentionally, and I don’t mind. We naturally absorb what we’re exposed to. That's why I avoid trend shows and trend reports—it feels too prescriptive, like someone telling me how I should feel and create. Instead, I attend exhibitions, physically exploring the world to find inspiration rather than relying on a screen to tell me what’s next.
and
In your opinion, what role does fashion play in expressing one’s individuality and identity? Can one have a personal style without having personal believes?
Fashion plays a significant role in expressing both individuality and identity. Personal style and beliefs are deeply intertwined; the way we dress says a lot about who we are. Of course, there are days when we’re too tired to put effort into our outfits, but even then, individuality still shines through. Fashion is a powerful medium for expressing oneself—whether it’s tied to religious beliefs, culture, or personal experiences. It leaves a lasting impression on others. Even if someone isn’t particularly interested in fashion, their style—or lack of it—speaks volumes about them.
I don’t believe in spending hours obsessing over our appearance in front of a mirror. Personal style should feel effortless and natural. The real time should be spent discovering who you are and figuring out how to authentically present that through your style.