Monday

Designers Dish All!, Fashion

Designer: Anupama Dayal

Anupama Dayal launched her label ‘ANUPAMAA’ in 2004 and has attained immense success in the fashion scene.  Fashion enthusiasts such as Style.com, ELLE America, and JC Penny have coined her as a standout designer. ELLE India also tagged her as one of the ten women to watch out for in 2007. VOGUE UK even declared her fall winter collection as “easily the prettiest,” during Lakme Fashion Week and titled her as “London’s New Best Friend.” Talk about being appreciated at an international level!

Designer Name: Anupama Dayal

Latest Collection Name: Clover

Website:  www.anupamaa.com

Contact: 01141661575, 01142705875

Her work is unique, as her design philosophy is to achieve an international appearance possessed by an Indian soul. She creates a harmonious blend of nature, history and modernism in a joyous outburst. The foundation of her work remains the revival of ancient hand printing and needle work techniques. The current styles include tunics, day and cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, cropped jackets, trench coats and more. ‘Anupamaa’ is available at Mélange, Aza, Ogaan, Ffolio, Evoluzione, Also and Be, as well as several luxury stores in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East. Some of these include Daslu, The Cross, Bonn Genie and Bugatti.

 

I’m sure the first thing everyone wants to know is how and why did you get into fashion design?

I am in design because it is something that comes to me naturally. I love my work with a passion.

 

Where did you go to fashion school?

Actually I have a business degree!

 

While you were learning the ins and outs of fashion, did you ever train or apprentice with another designer? If so, how was that?

No, but I learnt a lot from my mother who is a textile aficionado.

 

What designers inspired you while growing up?

In India, Ritu Kumar.

 

Describe your attitude about the “art of fashion.”

I believe in it totally. I approach every dress like a canvas to fill with my brush strokes.

 

What about fashion as a “business”?

It is a privilege to be able to turn a hobby into a lucrative profession.

 

What skills do you think one has to have in order to be a fashion designer?

Compulsively creative and consistent.

 

Describe a typical day in the life of a designer!

Planning, execution, administration, supervision, communication and finally, blissfully some DESIGN.

 

What do you lean towards as inspires for your designs?

Nature, art and travel.

 

If you weren’t into fashion, where do you think you would be in your life right now?

A naturalist. 

What has been your most memorable moment thus far as a designer?

When Vogue UK declared my fall winter 07 collection as easily’ the prettiest  ‘ in Lakme fashion week, and granted me the title London’s new best friend ‘ .

 

Lakme Fashion Week is the event of all fashion events in India. Tell us about your experience during this time.

It has always been fantastic and has really helped to establish the brand image of Anupamaa in India.

 

 How do you think the views of the world have changed since India has emerged as the “go-to” place for fashion over the past five to ten years?

I think that change is still in process and I think its great news for the fashion world.

 

If you could design for any Bollywood actress, who would it be and why?

It would be Shabana Azmi. She is a thinking woman with great style and comfort in Indian textiles.

 

What about an American actress?

Angelina Jolie, spunky super fit woman of the world!

 

So Anupama, tell me something…when are you going to design something for me?!
Right now!

 

What advice do you have for youngsters in the community who want to be a fashion designer?

Believe in yourself; your unique Indian DNA, and let it all out.

 

What are your final words for the readers of Bravura Artist?

In the words of YSL, “fashion fades, but style is eternal”.