Following her remarkable presentation at the ongoing New York Fashion Week, renowned fashion designer Archana Kochhar shared insights into her latest collection, discussed sustainability within the fashion industry, and touched on the evolving fashion landscape in India, among other topics.
Archana Kochhar, a pioneer among Indian fashion designers, has been instrumental in establishing Indian fashion’s global prominence. Once again, she captivated the audience at the ongoing New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with her presentation of the exquisite ‘Anant’ collection. This collection beautifully marries the grace of Indian weaves with the contemporary vision of Indian women and modern India. Kochhar’s collection is organized into three segments.
The first, ‘Maharashtra Heritage,’ pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. The second segment, ‘Global Resilience,’ symbolizes globalization and includes the global cobalt ‘sari-gown silhouette,’ representing a woman’s resilience in balancing the divine masculine and feminine. The third and final segment, ‘Diversity in All Shades,’ embraces delicate pastel hues, celebrating the diversity of the female form in all its shapes and sizes, a tribute to the innate beauty of every woman.
Miss World 1997, Diana Hayden, graced the runway as the showstopper, donning an exquisite piece from the collection inspired by the intricate tapestry of Indian culture and its ongoing evolution.
Archana Kochhar recently engaged in an exclusive conversation with indianexpress.com, where she discussed various aspects of the fashion world, from her latest ‘Anant’ collection showcased at NYFW to sustainability in fashion and her design inspirations. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
What inspired your latest collection ‘Anant’?
The inception of this collection can be traced back to the exquisite brocade saris that belonged to my mother. Her wardrobe was a treasure trove of vibrant colors – blazing orange, royal rani pink, deep Indian blue, and lush green. After her passing, I felt a strong desire to preserve these timeless saris for my daughter and myself. This led me on a creative journey, where I took these classic brocade designs and gave them a modern twist. As I delved deeper into this exciting project, I pondered upon how fashion continually evolves. This reflection drove me to create something truly extraordinary, paying homage to three generations: my mother, myself, and my daughter. I aimed to infuse these designs with an Indo-Western flair that would set them apart in today’s fashion landscape. Thus, this collection weaves together the past, present, and future.
Could you elaborate on how ‘Anant’ pays tribute to Indian weaves and evolving silhouettes over three generations of Independent India?
Our NYFW collection is truly unique, as it represents a collaboration with the Maharashtra government, focused on giving the classic Paithani fabric a never-before-seen makeover. Our goal was to take the traditional Paithani fabric and reinvent it for the modern Indian woman. The NYFW collection is a splendid fusion of Paithani craftsmanship, brocade opulence, shimmering sequins, and captivating prints. We’ve also tailored these designs into contemporary silhouettes that resonate with today’s remarkable women.
How do you perceive the difference between presenting your collection digitally versus through physical fashion shows?
We’ve opted to make a dual impact with our collection. Firstly, we showcased it digitally at NYFW, employing the power of videos to convey the essence of Indian textiles vividly. This digital presentation had the potential to reach 9 million fashion enthusiasts during New York Fashion Week, making it an immense platform. However, we didn’t stop there. We also hosted an in-person show in the heart of New York City, providing fashion’s influencers with a hands-on experience of our collection. This combination of digital and physical presentations was designed to create ripples in the fashion industry.
Archana Kochhar shared her thoughts on various aspects of fashion in an exclusive interview. Here are some highlights:
What is your core design philosophy?
My fundamental design philosophy revolves around ensuring that every bride and client who wears my creations feels not only stunning but also comfortable and utterly delighted. The essence of my design philosophy is to seamlessly blend style with sheer happiness in every piece I create.
How do you view the evolution of the Indian fashion scene?
The Indian fashion scene has embarked on an exhilarating journey of transformation, and it has been a thrilling experience as a fashion designer to witness this change. Designers are boldly pushing boundaries by exploring new silhouettes and patterns, injecting a fresh and adventurous twist into the fashion landscape. However, it’s not just designers who are changing; it’s also the people who wear these exquisite creations. Clients and fashion enthusiasts are embracing a fusion of contemporary and traditional styles, wearing them with pride. It’s akin to a fashion revolution. Indian fashion isn’t just making waves domestically; it’s conquering the global stage. Our designers are gracing international runways during fashion weeks, showcasing the incredible diversity and creativity of Indian fashion to a global audience. We have firmly established our presence on the world fashion map, and the future holds even more exciting prospects for Indian fashion.
What fashion trends do you foresee gaining prominence in the coming months and years?
Fashion is experiencing a retro revival. Expect a resurgence of retro-inspired styles that will dominate the fashion scene in the coming months and years. From chic pantsuits to groovy bell bottoms and comfortable anti-fit jackets, these timeless classics are here to stay. They will become integral to both fusion and ethnic fashion, not only in India but also worldwide. So, if you’re looking for enduring trends, get ready for a fashionable treat.
Archana Kochhar shared insights into her sustainable design practices and the promotion of Indian textiles and weaves:
Sustainable Practices:
As a fashion designer, I’ve wholeheartedly embraced various innovative sustainable approaches in my design process. Over the years, I’ve made conscientious efforts to incorporate eco-friendly textiles and adopt design techniques that prioritize sustainability. For example, I proudly featured ‘ahimsa silk’ in one of my collections presented at New York Fashion Week. This special silk is crafted and woven without causing harm to silkworms, aligning perfectly with my commitment to sustainable fashion.
Promoting Indian Textiles and Weaves:
Our mission is to showcase the exquisite beauty of Indian textiles and handwoven fabrics on both local and global fashion platforms. By featuring these remarkable creations, we’re not only turning heads but also fostering a renewed appreciation for these incredible art forms. However, our impact extends beyond the world of fashion. The increased demand for these expertly woven fabrics translates into improved income and sustainable livelihoods for skilled weavers.
It’s a mutually beneficial approach that is positively transforming lives, one beautiful fabric at a time!