Sonya Vajifdar Interview by Nardip Singh
Catwalk images provided by Colin Chau of Top Model UK 2011
From being a model with Elite Model Management, Mumbai, India and
going on to study fashion and textile design at Istituto Europeo de
Design in Milan, Italy, how important were your experiences in
solidifying your career choice,
has fashion always been your
main interest?
Fashion has always been the main focus in my life. To take it one
step further, I thought long and hard about my destination -
considered London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and finally decided
on Milan. Once I had settled in as a student, in the fashion
capital of the world, I really learned a lot and was very sure that
fashion designing was what I was meant to do. Whether it was in the
classroom or on the streets or in the clubs, Milan oozed style and
fashion. It was definitely more satisfying and challenging, still
is. I am happy to have found a career that really gives me a
charge.
What was the experience of working at Estrele like and did
it influence how you approach your work and ultimately set up your
own label?
Estrele is a French fashion house in Milan, where I worked for
sometime. Their primary focus was making bespoke high-end woman’s
pieces which taught me a lot about perfection; how to complete a
collection; how to quality check a piece and how to deal with vip
clientele. Any job experience is a learning process and I try to
pick up all the good points from what I learn and utilise them.
Most importantly, I think I picked up some professionalism from my
time there.
Could you describe your most recent
collection?
My latest collection of evening wear is a collection of shaded
nets, with clever draping. The colours and shapes have all been
inspired by waterfalls.
Of recent visits and catwalk shows abroad, what has been a
stand-out experience or memory you will always
cherish?
Last year I took part in the IIJW - Indian International Jewellery
week, where I collaborated with two jewellery designers to do the
clothes for the runway shows. One of these was a complete couture
collection which was put together in just 5 days. But it turned out
really well!
The rain wear collection has gathered a lot of interest
internationally, what was the thinking behind making an often
overlooked item of clothing into something more bold, daring and
fashionable?
Rain wear has never been portrayed in a way where it could look
fashionable, to an extent of being “the outfit” itself. The shapes
and moulding that can be done with waterproof materials are very
interesting and instead of only making the look funky this year, I
have given it a glamorous touch.
What do you have in your handbag right now?
My wallet, phone, Clinique foundation, gloss, mascara and my
visiting cards.
Looking at your collections, we can see how important
innovation is in your work, was it a conscious decision to focus on
elegant, yet strong design; using minimal embroidery and
embellishments, which we often see heavily used in Indian
fabrics?
My work definitely moves away from heavy Indian fabric and
embellishments, as I tend to focus more on the silhouette of the
pieces. I believe the classic and elegant look goes a long way and
is used all over the world.
What one item of clothing in your own wardrobe can you not
live without?
Right now that would be my leggings - they are so comfortable and
make an outfit go from casual to chic.
Moving forward, how do you see your designs evolving, in
terms of fabrics, materials and look?
I see my creations becoming more glam. I will still have simple
cuts but maybe go sexier and bolder with the fits.
What does 2011 and 2012 have in store for you, what can we
expect to see from your label?
You can expect to see heavily draped shaded evening wear pieces as
well as rain wear with a lot more glitz and glamour.
www.sonyavajifdar.com
As featured in Unfolded Magazine Issue 03 -
www.unfoldedmag.com