JOIN USAfter 10 years of experience in the New York fashion industry and working with noted French designer Christian Lacroix and American actresses Brooke Shields and Katrina Bowden, designer Tina Tandon launched her modern fusion ethnic-chic label Posh Pari Couture in 2006 and her mainstream contemporary American label T.TANDON in 2008.
Tandon’s silhouettes are modern with a hint of American vintage, blending the two to create newly inspired classic pieces that are timeless, yet effortlessly modern and chic. The designer, who was recently invited to showcase her collections at the at Cannes Fashion Festival in France, talks to
Metrolife about her love for designing.
Excerpts:
What is fashion for you?
Fashion to me, is a form of art and I see myself as an artist. I feel fashion is the most mobile, personal, and customisable form of art.
How would you differentiate style from fashion?
Style is the personalisation of fashion. Style is how you wear fashion, what represents you and your take on it. Style is constant, while fashion is variable.
What is the USP of your creations?
I make a conscious effort to use natural fabrics that are bio-degradable at the end of the product cycle. I try to create designs that can be worn over and over because I believe in versatility, functionality and practicality. The designs are often simple and classic, infused with construction details and embellishments to make them unique and global in appeal. One can get it online from www.poshpari.com @PoshPariCouture and www.ttandon.com @TTandonNY.
Having worked extensively in foreign countries, what difference have you seen in the Indian fashion scene?
Indian fashion scene is extremely wedding driven. So, most designers concentrate on bridal and party wear. Everyday style is mostly left to major European and
American brands.
How well is Indian fashion accepted on global platforms?
Nothing can compete with intricate embroideries, bead-work and embellishment techniques of India. Fashion brands all over the world look forward to India for these. Now, with Indians being spread all over the world and the increasing purchasing power of the young generation, many fashion houses and department stores want to cater to them specifically. Even major European houses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, McQueen, and Dior have come up with collections inspired by Indian fashion.
Has Indian fashion evolved?
Seven or eight years ago, I used to think that Indian women don’t care about fashion, style or designer wear. Local designers and tailors were there go to. But, in the recent times, as European and American brands have penetrated the Indian market, India has come up a long way. People are now well versed with international brands and their current collections. Western designs have become more popular in India and Indian designers have also started making western collections.
What next are you working on?
I am working on a new active wear/ yoga line, for the US market. Also, we are planning to showcase our collection in India fashion week very soon.