<p>For someone who got into designing purely by accident, Mrinalini Gupta has made quite a name for herself in the industry as a designer who is decoding Indian fashion in her own way.<br /><br />Contemporary and understated, Mrinalini’s creations merge the vibrancy of indigenous crafts with modern textile.<br /><br />With a strong belief that one’s clothes shouldn’t be stronger than their personality, it is no wonder that her creations are rustic and minimal and not rich and glamorous.<br /><br />She was in the city recently to present her new Spring-Summer 2017 collection at a show by Collage Shop India and spoke to Rajitha Menon about the rise of comfort clothing and her journey till now.<br /><br />How did you get into designing?<br /><br />It was an accident. I wanted to study finance and applied to a bunch of finance colleges. I got through NIFT, which was the only other college I had applied to. I had always been interested in making clothes at one point, so I made a snap decision to get into this field.<br /><br />How has your journey been so far?<br /><br />It is exciting. Being creative is always satisfying so in retrospective I am happy I didn’t go into finance or something that is very streamlined. Fashion, or the creative industry as a whole, is great because you are always inspired or you make sure that you are always inspired.<br /><br />How would you describe your designs?<br /><br />I make comfort clothing. Everything from the textiles to the shades to the silhouettes is designed to make the wearer feel absolutely relaxed. I believe that your fashion or your dressing style should not overpower you.<br /><br />Has there been a major shift towards comfort clothing in India?<br /><br />Yes, because I think people are getting to know themselves. As people grow and evolve, whether spiritually or otherwise, they start to understand themselves and then there is a focus on being comfortable, spontaneous and natural in your clothes instead of forcing yourself into something that may not be your style.<br /><br />Challenges that you have faced in this field?<br /><br />The biggest challenge is constant growth and evolution so that you can constantly groom your design sensibilities and yourself. Everything else is great. <br /><br />Tell us about your latest collection<br /><br />In my latest collection, I work with a lot of handlooms and a lot of colours. We merged those two beautifully to create a lot of sporty styles as well as<br />saris, pants and more.<br /><br />The entire collection is very natural with quintessential Indian colours.<br /><br />One trend you wish had never come about?<br /><br />Tapered pants! I hate tapered pants and I wish they would discontinue them as soon as possible.<br /></p>
<p>For someone who got into designing purely by accident, Mrinalini Gupta has made quite a name for herself in the industry as a designer who is decoding Indian fashion in her own way.<br /><br />Contemporary and understated, Mrinalini’s creations merge the vibrancy of indigenous crafts with modern textile.<br /><br />With a strong belief that one’s clothes shouldn’t be stronger than their personality, it is no wonder that her creations are rustic and minimal and not rich and glamorous.<br /><br />She was in the city recently to present her new Spring-Summer 2017 collection at a show by Collage Shop India and spoke to Rajitha Menon about the rise of comfort clothing and her journey till now.<br /><br />How did you get into designing?<br /><br />It was an accident. I wanted to study finance and applied to a bunch of finance colleges. I got through NIFT, which was the only other college I had applied to. I had always been interested in making clothes at one point, so I made a snap decision to get into this field.<br /><br />How has your journey been so far?<br /><br />It is exciting. Being creative is always satisfying so in retrospective I am happy I didn’t go into finance or something that is very streamlined. Fashion, or the creative industry as a whole, is great because you are always inspired or you make sure that you are always inspired.<br /><br />How would you describe your designs?<br /><br />I make comfort clothing. Everything from the textiles to the shades to the silhouettes is designed to make the wearer feel absolutely relaxed. I believe that your fashion or your dressing style should not overpower you.<br /><br />Has there been a major shift towards comfort clothing in India?<br /><br />Yes, because I think people are getting to know themselves. As people grow and evolve, whether spiritually or otherwise, they start to understand themselves and then there is a focus on being comfortable, spontaneous and natural in your clothes instead of forcing yourself into something that may not be your style.<br /><br />Challenges that you have faced in this field?<br /><br />The biggest challenge is constant growth and evolution so that you can constantly groom your design sensibilities and yourself. Everything else is great. <br /><br />Tell us about your latest collection<br /><br />In my latest collection, I work with a lot of handlooms and a lot of colours. We merged those two beautifully to create a lot of sporty styles as well as<br />saris, pants and more.<br /><br />The entire collection is very natural with quintessential Indian colours.<br /><br />One trend you wish had never come about?<br /><br />Tapered pants! I hate tapered pants and I wish they would discontinue them as soon as possible.<br /></p>
