As a form of self-expression, fashion can make us feel empowered. The clothing we wear, the jewellery we adorn is sub-consciously suggestive of our personality, identity and mood. Fashion can be oppressive and it can even be liberating, depending on how we choose to use it as a means of communication.
We get in conversation with celebrated designers of the industry, where they express what it means to ‘wear one’s pride’ and ‘what freedom means?’ to each one of them.
CLOTHING THAT EMPOWERS
“Freedom comes from within; when we decide for ourselves what we want, when we want and how we want it.I find the most happiness and freedom when I create and design each collection, keeping at heart the aspirations of my client. I feel every woman must have a sea of options to choose from.”– Saloni & Salman, Founders, Gulabo Jaipurhttps://www.instagram.com/gulabo_jaipur/?hl=en
“Freedom is an extremely powerful word . It can mean several things and is extremely individualistic . To some it means independence, and to others it means the ability to act and speak freely – or to go where they wish. For us, freedom is to express through our designs. Meaningful freedom within which to be creative . Finding new paths to and from creativity through our designs . Designers can potentially make an important contribution to this quest, given that design is about imagining and achieving better futures and going sustainable.” – Sukriti & Aakriti https://www.instagram.com/sukritiandaakritiofficial/?hl=en
FREEDOM THAT IS EXPERIMENTAL
“Freedom to me is the right to be myself – unapologetically. It’s a choice to live a life that I want for myself and grow into the person I want to become on my own terms. This is also reflected through our creations at Zwaan. Our fuss-free feminine designs empower the wearer to become a version of themselves that they aspire to be. The simplicity of our silhouettes gives them the confidence and the room to experiment and express themselves however they like.” – Tanvi Sawlani, Creative Director, Zwaanhttps://www.instagram.com/zwaan.official/?hl=en
“Patriotism for me is being rooted to where I belong. Encouraging and optimally utilizing local produce to hand-in-hand elevate and flourish towards a progressive future! Motivate and Buy Local!” – Kunal Anil Tanna, Creative Directorhttps://www.instagram.com/kunalaniltanna/?hl=en
NEW-AGE FREEDOM
Vedika M keeps an age-old tradition of three generations alive through her designs. Honouring the handicrafts of block printing and hand painting, Vedika’s designs induce a sense of independence and are made to suit the versatility of millennials. https://www.instagram.com/_vedikam/?hl=en
“The feeling of freedom fills an individual with a sense of power, a progressive attitude, and a discernment of confidence. India, through ages, has evolved keeping these virtues at its core. Synonymous to the Modern Indian Woman – a subject of my design ethos – India is a free republic that’s individualistic, independent and formidable. Traditional at heart yet blends in with modernity – a New Age India is a land of hopes and opportunities. And it fills my heart with immense pride when I realise the fact that I too can contribute to this evolution through design, style and creativity.” – Ridhi Mehrahttps://www.instagram.com/ridhimehraofficial/?hl=en
ELEGANT INDEPENDENCE
Eliciting elegance, power and vivacity, label Rose Room Couture strives to create timeless couture pieces that work extensively in everyday women’s lives, symbolic of the empowered woman of modern India.
https://www.instagram.com/roseroom__official/?hl=en
EMBRACING LEGACIES
An ode to quintessential Indian craftsmanship, Lovetobag by Ayushi Kanoi Gupta redefines modern luxury. Her pieces exude vintage elegance and imbibe the perfect blend of traditional meets contemporary, apt to celebrate modern Indian occasions.https://www.instagram.com/lovetobag/?hl=en
VINTAGE CLASSICS MEET MODERN STYLE
From left to right: Amaris by Prerna Rajpal and JoolryHeritage, that is a timeless ode to the unforgettable jewels of royal India, celebrating the opulence of our royal forms in its heavenly match of jadau, kundan and precious gemstones; such is the grandeur of Amaris by Prerna Rajpal and Joolry.
https://www.instagram.com/amarisbyprernarajpal/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/karishma.joolry/?hl=en
JEWELLERY THAT LIBERATES!
Eishita Puri, Founder & Creative Director, Eurumme takes extreme pride in carving a niche for her sustainable brand and constantly reinventing her designs. Her collection Metanoia is a tribute to eco-friendly, slow fashion with reused cardboard being the base of the entire collection.
https://www.instagram.com/shopeurumme/?hl=en
Opalina’s Garden of Eden pays homage to the diversity in nature, floral and fauna in our country. Being made in India, the brand’s unconventional designs evoke a sense of pride and are at par with other jewellery brands globally.https://www.instagram.com/opalinajewellery/?hl=en
