One On One: Karishma Kewalramani

After working as a stylist with many big designers and brands and getting enough experience in the fashion industry, this fashion design graduate from AIFD; Karishma Kewalramani is making waves. She established her brand around eight months ago and has been gaining much success. Talking with TEdit, Karishma Kewalramni shares her roller coaster ride of managing work and personal life along with all things fashion.

What according to you is the best part of being a fashion designer?

Designing creative and unique pieces with different cuts and colours is the best part of being a fashion designer because it brings an urge to do something different from others in the market. While designing cuts, I make sure that they look different and unique.

How would you describe your personal style?

Classic! It’s something that doesn’t wear off easily and remains there for a longer period of time.

What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

It plays the most important role in creating awareness about fashion and trends. With different social media platforms, fashion spreads everywhere within no time and it changes into a trend and that’s the power and beauty of these platforms.

What was your biggest fear when going out and starting your own line?

Launching something which you know hardly any designer offers in a local industry i.e. gowns, was the biggest decision and fear because I didn’t know how will it turn out to be. But eight months into the business, I have understood that it was the best decision I could have taken because there is a huge market for gowns and western dresses here which you hardly see any designer offering.

Who and what is the inspiration while creating any design?

If we talk about which things inspire me then nature is something that inspires me to the core when I sit and design. Those water waves, rain, greenery and flowers create certain magic and I love using these elements in my designs. If we talk about who inspires me then it’s Michael Cinco. He creates such beautiful couture gowns that you can’t keep your eyes off the pieces he makes.

What are the work ethics that you believe in while working in fashion?

I believe in providing a comfortable working environment to my employees. A comfortable work environment and respect are all they deserve and we should respect their work because ultimately, they are the ones who are with us to grow our business and meet deadlines.

How do you draw the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

I have tried to integrate a unique element into all of my collections, be it with my high end gowns, or more budgeted basics. So while they are unique they are kept under a certain budget so people can wear them on casual and semi-formal occasions and afford them without a second thought.

In the industry, whose work do you admire most/whom do you see as inspiration?

Michael Cinco! He is the best designer for couture gowns be it for weddings, bachelorette parties or bridal showers. I follow him for the level of creativity he brings to his pieces and gives life to them. His work inspires me to make something unique and bring life to my designs as well.

What is one accomplishment you are most proud of?

Well, there are many, but I am most proud of the fact that I have received a lot of love from my clients in these eight months. I think I have achieved a lot in a lesser period of time and have gained immense love and trust.

Amongst all the projects/ dresses you’ve worked on, which one is close to your heart?

The pink manipulated gown is very close to my heart because I designed, manipulated and stitched it myself for my design project which had “nature” as the theme and when I am close to nature it inspires me. I have been getting a good response on this piece too.

Things no one knows about you?

a. One thing people don’t know about me is that I am a perfectionist. I will go to great lengths to make sure my piece looks perfect.

b. Secondly, I have been so lucky in my work opportunities as I’ve never gone after them - I’ve just got them miraculously at the right time.