Fashion designer with a heart

Being human

There are many small and big designers who’ve been in limelight for their work across the globe. But some out there are multi-tasking, doing more than just designing and may not always be in the limelight. One such fashion designer is Sulakshna Monga, who’s been in the industry since the past 30 years and has been developing new techniques and designs in Indian and contemporary styles. Monga recently engaged herself with acid attack victims, for her fashion show and production of garments, to give herself and them likewise, a new erspective in life.

“I try to understand their sentiments. They have this constant low inside them. When they have a livelihood and they socialise with more people, they feel a part of the society and less distinct. Otherwise, their everyday life is a battle with the past,” Monga tells Metrolife.

She says that she doesn’t feel that she is doing anything outstanding, “They could be anyone, who needs a job,” she says. “I am not particularly helping them because they acid attack victims. However, I feel that such a past should be forgotten,” Monga avers on her beliefs.

But the designer has engaged the victims — whoever approached her and whom she approached through an NGO, Abhinandan. The victims are now employed in her production house. Some of them also work from home and others walk the ramp.

When Soltee by Monga celebrated its store anniversary, Monga showcased a glimpse of her latest capsule collection along with the four acid attack victims.

As a designer, her concepts cater to women across all likes, but her garments are most known for their femininity and delicacy. Monga has reinterpreted latest Zardozi handworks.
The rich, decadent detail of old luxurious paintings is set against the vintage silhouettes. A colour return to the living rooms of the 1970’s, reclaiming the avocado green; orchid and mint is also be a big part of her Soltee collection.

It is the vision of spring/early summer wedding and has pretty undertones of vintage style. Fifty-year-old Monga tries to ensure that she does something creative with her designs and outfits, that makes her stand out from rest of the bandwagon.