<p>Payal Khandwala’s fashion philosophy is to be simple and stay simple. Over the years, she has carved a niche with her intricate and comfortable designs. Her creativity is showcased in the bright colours, varied designs and different fabrics used. <br /><br />Having completed five years in the industry, she is thrilled to showcase her Spring-Summer collection ‘Back to Basics’. She talks to Anila Kurian about the collection and her future plans. <br /><br />Can you elaborate on ‘Back to Basics’. <br /><br />Being the anniversary collection, I wanted to remember through it why I began designing in the first place. I like my designs to be simple, sensible and comfortable suitable for any occasion. My focus was to cater to the demand but still be inclusive.<br /><br />Tell us about the colour palette and motifs used...<br /><br />I am always particular about the colours I use — I like to have that pop in my creations. Since it is for Spring Summer, I wanted to keep it light and breezy. I’ve used cotton, silk and linen as materials and flowers for design. <br /><br />The inspiration behind this collection...<br /><br />The print story was a cluster of roses — a simple thought with a strong reference; a motif that is central to the perceived dichotomy of femininity and strength. Yet I conceived them as an antithesis of how we typically see flowers in spring — fragile, in full bloom and in colour. So when I pencilled the artwork, the theme was gentle in theory but bold in execution. <br /><br />How do you always design something out-of-the-box and still become a trendsetter? <br /><br />Over the years, I realised that I have to keep buying new clothes that I don’t really need. I would have to discard them or stack them away for six years till they make a comeback. When I design, I try to make clothes that will stand the test of time and I guess that’s what clicks. <br /><br />Do you think there are instances where designers are not given enough credit? <br /><br />Not really, because I don’t think making clothes will change the world. A designer gets credit when people buy their clothes; what more do you need! And that’s all I ask for.<br /><br />Have you started working on your next collection? <br /><br />I just came back from a long and much-needed vacation. I haven’t decided on anything yet but will plan something soon. <br /><br />In all the designs you have showcased till now, what has been a constant?<br />I don’t create anything that I don’t wear. There are certain boxes that need to be ticked — it has to be simple, sensible, practical and so far. That thought process is something that I keep in mind every time I design an outfit and it will always remain. <br /><br /></p>
<p>Payal Khandwala’s fashion philosophy is to be simple and stay simple. Over the years, she has carved a niche with her intricate and comfortable designs. Her creativity is showcased in the bright colours, varied designs and different fabrics used. <br /><br />Having completed five years in the industry, she is thrilled to showcase her Spring-Summer collection ‘Back to Basics’. She talks to Anila Kurian about the collection and her future plans. <br /><br />Can you elaborate on ‘Back to Basics’. <br /><br />Being the anniversary collection, I wanted to remember through it why I began designing in the first place. I like my designs to be simple, sensible and comfortable suitable for any occasion. My focus was to cater to the demand but still be inclusive.<br /><br />Tell us about the colour palette and motifs used...<br /><br />I am always particular about the colours I use — I like to have that pop in my creations. Since it is for Spring Summer, I wanted to keep it light and breezy. I’ve used cotton, silk and linen as materials and flowers for design. <br /><br />The inspiration behind this collection...<br /><br />The print story was a cluster of roses — a simple thought with a strong reference; a motif that is central to the perceived dichotomy of femininity and strength. Yet I conceived them as an antithesis of how we typically see flowers in spring — fragile, in full bloom and in colour. So when I pencilled the artwork, the theme was gentle in theory but bold in execution. <br /><br />How do you always design something out-of-the-box and still become a trendsetter? <br /><br />Over the years, I realised that I have to keep buying new clothes that I don’t really need. I would have to discard them or stack them away for six years till they make a comeback. When I design, I try to make clothes that will stand the test of time and I guess that’s what clicks. <br /><br />Do you think there are instances where designers are not given enough credit? <br /><br />Not really, because I don’t think making clothes will change the world. A designer gets credit when people buy their clothes; what more do you need! And that’s all I ask for.<br /><br />Have you started working on your next collection? <br /><br />I just came back from a long and much-needed vacation. I haven’t decided on anything yet but will plan something soon. <br /><br />In all the designs you have showcased till now, what has been a constant?<br />I don’t create anything that I don’t wear. There are certain boxes that need to be ticked — it has to be simple, sensible, practical and so far. That thought process is something that I keep in mind every time I design an outfit and it will always remain. <br /><br /></p>