The women who are making moves in the fashion industry are clear about their role. Whether in their creative vision or the tribes they build—they are working to uplift one another and create opportunities. We asked them what it means to be a female designer in 2019.
RASHMI VARMA
“I think everything we do is political. How you make your clothes, and consume them. It’s important that as women we support and give each other a voice. Having solid mentors and a strong peer group is also necessary. I used to work with [filmmaker] Deepa Mehta who has such a clear, independent vision and is supportive of young talent. Mentors like that are important. Even all the women in my own circle of friends are so smart and progressive, they inform my world and my everyday.”
PAYAL KHANDWALA
Payal Khandwala states what her brand is about: “I like my clothes to be stylish, and I love when they are a bit dramatic, but they have to be 100 percent practical.” The result is a label built on luxurious, softly-tailored separates such as silk brocade culottes, slim-cut trousers, long kurtas, collared shirts, and pleated capes. “On the one hand, we’ve been fed so many fairy tales that everyone wants to dress like a princess. But the other extreme shouldn’t have to be a tuxedo. The male gaze is so endemic, that subliminally we’ve normalised it. As a woman designing for women I explore both sides of our personalities. The fierce and the feminine.”
SONAL VERMA, RARA AVIS
“Fashion is no longer bound to a certain size or body type or age. It’s about breaking stereotypes and wearing what resonates with one’s personality. I love working with traditionally male fabrics and patterns—herringbone, houndstooth, and suiting material—to create dresses and jackets. The idea is to provide space and movement within strict boundaries of gender.”
RINA SINGH, EKA
Esta historia es de la edición July - August 2019 de Harper's Bazaar India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July - August 2019 de Harper's Bazaar India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.