A slice of royal Indian luxury

Vani Vats is a Delhi-based designer whose label Vvani (launched in January 2014) is inspired by the royal Indian handcrafts, which she intermingles with archaic Indian embroideries and techniques.

Her creations are an amalgamation of intricate aari and zardozi embroideries, geometric patterns and Islamic tessellation architecture. In a conversation with Metrolife, the young designer talks about her creations and her idea of fashion.

Excerpts:

Tell us about yourself. How did you get into this field?

Since grade seven, I would find opportunities to design clothes. Sitting at home I would pick up my mother’s plain dupattas or kurtas and start doing some thread or
sequin work on them even though I didn’t have any technical knowledge of it. Adding bling to anything gives me pleasure.  I decided to pursue fashion designing after 12th and started working towards it. I interned under Shantanu and Nikhil during my college and after that I worked with Manish Arora for almost three years. Post all these, I had gathered enough knowledge of silhouettes, colours, embroidery and traditional techniques. And that’s how Vvani by Vani Vats came into being.

What is the USP of your creations?

The USP of my creation is the playful chemistry of old techniques of surface texturing using new materials and innovative designs. The collection is
a perfect blend of Indian traditional techniques with modern styling to keep the essence intact.
 
How was your journey till now?

The journey has been tough and full of struggle but still beautiful each day. The only reason why I never got tired of the problems I faced during my struggle as a designer is the love for my work. But today, I feel a sense of satisfaction when people appreciate what I design and wear it happily. It’s a beautiful feeling. It pumps me up each day.

What is fashion for you?

Fashion helps you express ‘yourself’ and it should always be based on what you find interesting – and no one else.

What inspires you?

The zest in me to create something beautiful each day inspires me.

How do you cope with the competition?

The biggest challenge for a new designer is to establish them in such a market
where renowned designers have already created a mark for themselves. To reach out a larger audience due to the non-existence of a platform dedicated to fresh and
 new talent, the process of establishing a market and name becomes longer and difficult. But nothing is impossible in this world, if you have unique idea and sense of styling then no one can
stop you.

Any fashion tips for the readers?

Just a simple tip — Wear what makes you feel strong and beautiful and nothing that is not within your comfort zone.