JOIN USShloka Sudhakar, a finance graduate who had no plans of becoming a full-time fashion designer,has now successfully established her fashion brand all over the country.
After showcasing her collections at Bengaluru Fashion Week over the years, the designer is now set to launch a number of collections with various brands in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Shloka, who is currently working on a brand new collection to launch at the Mumbai Fashion Week, talks about the inspiration behind her brand, her fashion predictions for 2018 and more in a conversation with Asra Mavad.
How did you get into fashion designing?
Even when I was pursuing my degree in Finance, I used to try designing clothes once in a while. Once I put up a bunch of my creations for sale at an exhibition and these ended up being quite the crowd favourite. So, after this I started putting up stalls at other exhibitions. This how I started fashion designing, but just as a hobby. Later on, this hobby of mine turned into my career.
Can you tell us what you are currently working on?
Right now I'm working on my new collection for 2018, that I'll be launching at the Mumbai Fashion Week. I'm very excited about this collection but am also a little nervous since this time I'm trying something I've never tried before. Out-of-the-box is what perfectly defines my upcoming collection.
What is the inspiration behind your brand?
Instead of actors or designers, I tend to gain inspiration for my designs from the environment around me. This is why a lot of my designs are centered around animals, trees, birds etc.
Do you plan on going beyond Indo-Western fashion?
Definitely! I really want to get into proper bridal couture. It's something I've been wanting to do for quite a while now and this might be the year I do it.
Your fashion predictions for 2018?
In my opinion bling is going to be a huge trend, not only in India but all across the world. Other than this I believe metallic fabrics and metallic embroidery are going to be used a lot. Floral is most probably going out of style and we'll be seeing a lot of abstract designs inspired by birds and animals.
Any advice for aspiring designers?
Always remember to be original. Copying other designers and brands might help you make quick money but I can assure you that won't last a long time. If you want to leave a mark in the industry and be known for your work, then be creative and come up with new ideas.