"COUTURE IS A CREATIVE INDULGENCE"

In a one-on-one interview with BAZAAR INDIA, SHAHAB DURAZI, a prominent figure in the world of INDIAN FASHION, discusses the significance of HAUTE COUTURE, the sources of inspirations for his collections, his avoidance of the MEDIA, and much more.

- VINOD NAIR

Harper’s Bazaar: The words ‘couture’ and ‘couturier’ are some of the most loosely used words in fashion journalism in India. Your views?

Shahab Durazi: “I view couture in two parts: the process and how this process is navigated to create the end product. It is imperative that the creator comprehends the intrinsic importance of both, the process he pursues and the product he creates. Couture is a creative indulgence that is unique from inception to end. The entire gamut of techniques employed should involve a thought process of the highest technical order and the end product should endorse creative and technical excellence. Unfortunately, in India, the term couture is used irresponsibly and casually. It has come to be synonymous with bridal wear, voluminous silhouettes, and indiscriminate surface ornamentation. Couture cannot be indiscriminate...it should be clever and sharp. Mediocrity is unacceptable. The ability to command attention through the simplest designs executed painstakingly using labour-intensive techniques is couture. I always opine, ‘quality is disciplined creativity’, and for me this sums up the essence of couture.”

HB: What according to you is haute couture? And how would you categorise your collections?