Giving Up is not an option
There are a few names in the fashion industry that stays in the mind of people. One of these names is of a beautiful designer who has got brains with beauty, Aparna S. Here is an exclusive interview with the lady.
Q.1 Tell us something about your journey in the world of fashion glamour and being the Best Designer. How did you start?
Fashion, like any other art form, is not a job. It’s a calling. I’ve always known that this was my path. In my early 20s, I was lucky enough to find myself studying my passion in Milan. Interning with some of the best Italian designers opened my mind and fueled my creativity in a way I never thought was possible. However, always being an Indian at heart, my goal was to infuse Italian expertise with Indian sensibility for the Indian market. When I visited Bangalore, I fell in love with the city and knew that I should start my journey here. The rest is history. I’ll always be grateful for the immense love and affection I have received here. Over the last decade, I have been able to form a beautiful community of fiercely loyal clients, great collaborations with fellow artists and continuously encourage new and promising talent.
Q.2 Share with us the experiences you have had in the fashion industry? How has it helped you grow?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. I started my business in a tiny garage with one artisan. Through sheer willpower, dedication and hustle, I earned enough trust from my clients to be able to establish my flagship store. There was a lot of trial and error, and great struggles I had to overcome – both emotionally and financially. Looking back, I think it was only my passion that drove me to stand up every time I fell. The key is to always be a student. Even now, I still believe that there is something to learn from my clients, my students, my artisans, and everybody around me. This keeps me motivated to grow every moment of my life. The fashion industry is not always glamorous. What you see is only the tip of the iceberg. Every garment I release is a piece of me and a result of years of hard work and experience.
Q.3 How do you think the pandemic has impacted the industry as a whole? What prospects do you see post-2021?
The pandemic was a big shock. Nothing could have prepared us for it. Our industry, like many others, came to a standstill. But what I learned personally is the value of coming together. For example, in my case, my biggest priority was my team. To make sure that no one in my team felt a threat to their livelihood. I restructured my finances to make sure that each person within the Aparna S organization was secure in their position. This brought us together as a strong family. It helped us to face this greatuncertainty. I’m eternally grateful to my wonderful team for staunchly rallying behind me. As for the future of the industry, I feel the best way forward is to firmly entrench ourselves in our local resources and talent. If the design community comes together to firmly support local weavers, artisans, and vendors without depending on imports, nothing can stop us from becoming the best fashion industry in the world.
Q.4 What has been your best break? Please share some interesting stories with us as professional designers.
Even though I have had the opportunity to dress top industrialists and a collection of celebrities, be it Shabana Azmi, Shraddha Srinath, or Anu Ranjan and many others, or even receiving a prestigious design award from Kangana Ranaut, I consider that my biggest break came from my first ever client who came to my tiny garage when I had nothing to my name yet. Despite my doubts, she stood by me and encouraged me. To date, the look of appreciation when she wore the first-ever garment from Label Aparna S drives me to hold on to my roots and treat every client as my first. That happy look from my clients is to die for. That feeling has no equal.
Q.5 What will be your message to the ladies, who are very talented upcoming fashion designers but are not getting any support?
Hahaha! I’m a perfect example of this category. You don’t need external support to build your opportunities. The biggest support is your talent, creativity and most importantly, never giving up. Start anywhere in the industry that you can. No role is too small. Be patient, work hard and learn. In time, it will happen.
Q.6 Tell us something about your hobbies. What leisure activities do you like to indulge in when not working?
Painting has become a big source of solace for me. Losing myself in various forms and colours transforms my stress into happiness. It relaxes me, hones my creativity in ways I cannot even predict sometimes.
Q.7 Being a renowned personality, what is your take on Social Media overload. How do you find your me-time amid all the social media chatter?
I’m not a big social media person. With my social media, I just like to have fun and not take it too seriously. I have a great team that handles social media for my label, so I don’t have to worry about that. I get plenty of me-time thanks to them!
Q.8 Is being a fashion designer tuff or easy to let us know both the cases?
In the words of the great Karl Lagerfeld, ‘I design as I breathe. You don’t ask to breathe. It just happens’. So, it’s not about easy or tough. If you love what you do and completely immerse yourself in it, it’ll never feel like work.
Q.9 What were the obstacles you faced when you started?
There were many. Initially, finances were sparse, building a team that shared my vision took a long time and the Bangalore market wasn’t yet ready for my sensibilities. Overcoming these obstacles took a lot of patience, but thankfully it paid off in the end.
Q.10 Your favourite holiday destination and food cuisine? Also, who is your industry crush if any?
My favourite destination will always be Milan. That’s where my journey began, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I love Italian food. It brings me comfort and takes me back to my student days. My biggest industry inspirations are the geniuses Alexander McQueen and Roberto Capucci. I guess you could call that massive crush!
Q.11 Tell us if you have any latest association with any planned upcoming project?
I’m now gearing up to expand the label’s footprint to Hyderabad and Dubai. I can never be still. I feel stagnation is unhealthy. I make sure that I always have something to look forward to.
Q.12 What is your dream project? who is your fashion icon to whom you look up?
My dream project is to showcase my collection at Milan fashion week and have Michelle Obama be the showstopper. She’s the embodiment of style and power and inspires women all over the world.
Q.13 Who would u dream to design your best wardrobe collections and why?
Sushmita Sen for sure. In a relatively conservative environment, I’ve admired how she has always walked to the beat of her drum. She hasn’t let obstacles hinder her. Every time, she emerges stronger and keeps going forward. Not to mention that she’s one of the most gorgeous people ever!