'Size zero is a medical statement'

Manoviraj Khosla, the City-based ace designer who started designing when he was a teenager, has made a mark in the fashion industry. 

He has worked for well-known companies, high-end brands and mega events. The talented artiste, who abides by the terms, ‘glamourous’ and ‘colourful’, shares his experiences with Metrolife about Bangalore as a fashion hub and the economics of the fashion industry.

“I remember Bangalore as a City which had nothing in terms of fashion. But now, fashion is an industry here. Many designers have made their mark and the ‘street smart’ fashion culture is very popular now. However, unlike Delhi and Mumbai, where the industry has boomed, it has stagnated a bit here. People here spend lesser as compared to the North and the deadline on nightlife has killed the fashion industry. Today, the industry caters to a niche market but I hope that will change soon and it will cater to a mass market.”

 But on a positive note, he says, “People are getting trendier and there is a conscious attempt to dress well and look good. But Bangalore still has a long way to go.”
He says that the concept of designing itself has changed over the years. “There was a stark difference in designing outfits for the ramp and off it. But now, what people wear on the ramp can be worn off it as well. There is a preference for trendier and outlandish clothes.” 

Khosla also sees a change in men’s attitude towards dressing. “Men’s interest has also changed. Earlier, there was very little difference in what they wore to work and outside. But now, they are conscious about their looks. This is a good sign.”

Manoviraj Khosla loves to travel apart from designing.  “My only fashion tip to youngsters is that they should wear what they can pull off. Rather than looking at Bollywood stars and imitating them for fashion, they should follow a few international designers. The size zero trend, which youngsters are vying for, is completely stupid. It’s not a style statement but a medical statement,” he sums up.