Edgy & exuberant

UNIQUE STATEMENT

Yes, in the near future, my brand Asa Kazingmei, will become a well-known international brand,’’ declares Mumbai-based designer Asa Kazingmei, with a dash of confidence.

His uniquely designed clothes have been scorching the ramps in fashion weeks of late. In fact Asa, a native of Manipur, has made a huge impression with unusual cuts, structured designs, textiles and colours since he debuted in the GenNext section of Lakme Fashion Week in 2012.

Using the famous shawls of the Tang-khul Naga tribe, who live on the Indo-Burma border area of Ukhrul district of Manipur, Asa mesmerised the patrons of the Fashion Week overshadowing his fellow designers.

He admits, though, that at the time of his debut he never really thought of the impact of using the native textiles and manipulating the famous red-black woven motifs in his designs. “The beauty and the intricacies of the hand woven textiles of the Naga tribe really inspired me to create my collection,’’ says the designer, who dresses in unusually cut jackets and trousers. Not to forget, his unique style of top knotting his streaked hair with needle-long hairpins.

In pursuit of fame

Growing up in a family of seven siblings in the 1990s, he had never thought of the world of fashion. As a youngster, he was busy trying to hone his martial arts skills. He even went on to become the youngest Black Belt holder and won many district and state level awards and medals.

Incidentally, he got interested in clothes when he got his hands on a sewing machine at his martial arts teacher’s home. And it was the teacher who recommended that he try his hand at fashion designing. So, after completing Class 12, Asa landed in Mumbai. Why Mumbai? “I consider it one of the most happening places and that is what brought me here,’’ he confesses.

For Asa, it was the glamour, fame and the celebrities associated with the fashion industry that cemented his decision to become a fashion designer. “It was also the media coverage that they get for their work. Plus the buzz in the social network and all the glam attached to this industry... this is what lured me to fashion.” Little did the aspiring designer realise that he and his clothes would soon join the list of the famous celebrities!
Once in Mumbai, he joined International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD). Upon completing the course, he interned with several designers and design houses till he showcased LFW 4 years ago. And there has been no looking back.

Sense of style

One can easily recognise an Asa attire by just looking at it. Dramatic in style, the stand up collars of his clothes sometimes reach well above the neck. The regal-looking, flowing hemlines, striking textural contrast, the asymmetrical skirts, the colours and combination of light fabrics with heavy drapes make his clothes alluring. The much  sought-after designer states that most of his clothes are custom-made for celebrities. “Edgy, experimental and exuberant, my clothes reflect my persona. Given that I mostly work for Bollywood films, ad shoots, artists and stage performers, the attires are customised according to the stories and their requirements,” explains the designer.

It’s easy to see why Hrithik Roshan would opt for his designs for his film Bang Bang and even sport another one during his performance for the IPL 2015 opening ceremony.

Varun Dhawan too chose Asa for his perform at a recent awards ceremony as well as for his appearance at the Miss India 2016 show. From Saif Ali Khan to Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt to Katrina Kaif, every Bollywood celebrity has sported an Asa attire.

Besides the use of different textures and fabrics, the non-conformist designer is also fond of using leather in his designs — be it clothes like gowns, jackets, tops and trousers, or accessories like shoes, handbags and ornaments. Of course, he resists using leather in the bridal attires. His wedding gowns are ethereal, flowy gowns — all feminine with delicate silhouettes.

At a time when most of the designers talk about going organic, vegan or eco-friendly, Asa is completely unapologetic about the use of leather or other synthetic materials in his designs. “I might be a contradiction in the present-day fashion scenario but I do use the materials in the best way possible. I don’t follow trends. As far as I’m concerned, I create what makes me most happy,” he says.

Asa’s collections are inspired by nature including his latest, Repnotic, which he showcased at the recently concluded LFW. Transforming an imaginative perception into a line of surreal designs, the collection had long, floating and textured silhouettes. Use of satin, lace, crystal, net and a touch of golden leather added to the appeal.

“Repnotic was inspired by Mother Nature. Her creatures exist in harmony and balance. I was drawn specially to the Iguana of the lizard family,’’ he explains.Asa’s clothes are now available in the metros. However, he says that soon he would be reaching out to those in smaller towns too.

Unwilling to be drawn into why Indian designers have not been able to make a  mark internationally, Asa signs off by saying, “We must see ourselves in a better light and work hard towards it. But I promise you that one day, 100%, I will become an international brand!’’