<p>Been in the industry for almost 10 years now, Rajat Tangri has never failed to introduce a surprise element in his collections. From being inspired by fine arts to becoming one of the most sought-after designers, he has definitely come a long way. The young designer gets candid with Surupasree Sarmmah about the first outfit he designed, his inspiration and more. <br /><br />How did designing happened to you?<br /><br />My dad is an architect and he was into fine arts, which caught my attention too. My second passion, however, was fashion designing, so I left for Australia after high school and did a course in fashion and that’s how it all started. <br /><br />If not a designer…<br /><br />I would probably have been an artist or perhaps, a chef. <br /><br />The one thing that you keep in mind while working on a collection...<br />It has to be something that is wearable and sellable. <br /><br />Describe your style of work.<br /><br />I am primarily into evening wear like cocktail dresses and evening gowns. I have just started an Indian line and I am in the process of launching a pret line for men that will include a lot of fusion and quirky stuff. <br /><br />The first outfit that you had designed…<br /><br />It was my sister’s wedding outfit. I was a student then. I sourced the fabric from Australia and designed an intricate orange organza ‘lehenga’. <br /><br />The best part of being a designer.<br /><br />Designing is nothing but self-expression; it has a bit of you and a bit of your personality. The best part is I come across a lot of well-informed customers, who in the long run, help me grow as a designer. I get to learn a lot of new things from them. As a designer, it is very interesting and at the same time challenging to incorporate someone else’s vision into mine and then to create something. <br /><br />Who has been your inspiration?<br /><br />The silhouettes of the early Dior are something I take inspiration from. Also, Alexander McQueen was a league apart. <br /><br />Anyone from the film industry you want to work with?<br /><br />It would definitely be Rekhaji, there is an enigma about her and she’s got a beautiful old-world charm. <br /><br />An advice that changed your life?<br /><br />It was something that my mentor told me once… ‘Believe in yourself and be focussed’. <br /><br />Something about your latest collection…<br /><br />I am in the process of doing two lines, I recently did a show where I showcased my new collection. It is a whole line of evening wear for both men and women. For the collection, I have highlighted neutral colours like nude, which went on to darker shades like oxblood, teal, greenish blue and black. Neoprene fabric is the focus this time as it gives a fantastic fit. <br /><br />What are your other interests apart from fashion designing?<br /><br />It’s a hectic life and I hardly get time, but I love chilling out with friends, reading (fashion oriented – as I like to keep myself updated with what is happening globally) and love spending time with my pet. <br /><br />Five must-haves in your closet…<br /><br />A pair of black and blue denims, a well-fitted black shirt, a bomber and a tailored jacket.<br /><br />Any advice for aspiring designers…<br /><br />I would like to spread the same words of wisdom… “Believe in yourself and stay focussed. Keeping the whole practicality in mind, because at the end of the day it is a business, and you need to sell and churn out the deserved money</p>
<p>Been in the industry for almost 10 years now, Rajat Tangri has never failed to introduce a surprise element in his collections. From being inspired by fine arts to becoming one of the most sought-after designers, he has definitely come a long way. The young designer gets candid with Surupasree Sarmmah about the first outfit he designed, his inspiration and more. <br /><br />How did designing happened to you?<br /><br />My dad is an architect and he was into fine arts, which caught my attention too. My second passion, however, was fashion designing, so I left for Australia after high school and did a course in fashion and that’s how it all started. <br /><br />If not a designer…<br /><br />I would probably have been an artist or perhaps, a chef. <br /><br />The one thing that you keep in mind while working on a collection...<br />It has to be something that is wearable and sellable. <br /><br />Describe your style of work.<br /><br />I am primarily into evening wear like cocktail dresses and evening gowns. I have just started an Indian line and I am in the process of launching a pret line for men that will include a lot of fusion and quirky stuff. <br /><br />The first outfit that you had designed…<br /><br />It was my sister’s wedding outfit. I was a student then. I sourced the fabric from Australia and designed an intricate orange organza ‘lehenga’. <br /><br />The best part of being a designer.<br /><br />Designing is nothing but self-expression; it has a bit of you and a bit of your personality. The best part is I come across a lot of well-informed customers, who in the long run, help me grow as a designer. I get to learn a lot of new things from them. As a designer, it is very interesting and at the same time challenging to incorporate someone else’s vision into mine and then to create something. <br /><br />Who has been your inspiration?<br /><br />The silhouettes of the early Dior are something I take inspiration from. Also, Alexander McQueen was a league apart. <br /><br />Anyone from the film industry you want to work with?<br /><br />It would definitely be Rekhaji, there is an enigma about her and she’s got a beautiful old-world charm. <br /><br />An advice that changed your life?<br /><br />It was something that my mentor told me once… ‘Believe in yourself and be focussed’. <br /><br />Something about your latest collection…<br /><br />I am in the process of doing two lines, I recently did a show where I showcased my new collection. It is a whole line of evening wear for both men and women. For the collection, I have highlighted neutral colours like nude, which went on to darker shades like oxblood, teal, greenish blue and black. Neoprene fabric is the focus this time as it gives a fantastic fit. <br /><br />What are your other interests apart from fashion designing?<br /><br />It’s a hectic life and I hardly get time, but I love chilling out with friends, reading (fashion oriented – as I like to keep myself updated with what is happening globally) and love spending time with my pet. <br /><br />Five must-haves in your closet…<br /><br />A pair of black and blue denims, a well-fitted black shirt, a bomber and a tailored jacket.<br /><br />Any advice for aspiring designers…<br /><br />I would like to spread the same words of wisdom… “Believe in yourself and stay focussed. Keeping the whole practicality in mind, because at the end of the day it is a business, and you need to sell and churn out the deserved money</p>
