Designer label Karishma Deepa Sondhi is here to carve a niche in the Indian & western high fashion market by offering contemporary, luxurious, prêt and couture with a distinct signature style that celebrates the best of the fashion world. Recently, Deepa Sondhi, owner, Karishma Deepa Sondhi launched her latest collection with Veere Di Wedding fame Swara Bhaskar. In a candid conversation with TMM, the designer talks about the vision, journey, and future of the label.
When did you decide to become a fashion designer?
I always had a passion for wearing good and stylish clothes and always wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry. But things only fell into place when my daughter Karishma Sondhi took admission in the Pearl Academy of Fashion. It was then; I found my dream turning into reality and eventually brand Karishma Deepa Sondhi was created.
What is the USP of your brand?
Our USP is bridal wear. We have a skilled team with an excellent expertise in creating couture garments like lehengas, anarkalis, drapes with hand embroidery. We also expertise in all types of hand embroidery with materials like zari, dabka , gota etc .
Tell us about Inaayat?
Inaayat by Karishma Deepa Sondhi is the collection which celebrates the female spirit of gentle perseverance. Through varied silhouettes and handcrafted details, Karishma Deepa Sondhi takes through the life of a woman as she sashays through it with beauty, grace & kindness. The fitted drapes and layers symbolize the nuances and complexities that have come to define her from childhood to adulthood as she embraces her sensuality in all its glamour and glory. Silks layered with hand embroidered motifs, classic drapes with a new perspective and unusual colours that draw elegant attention are defining points of this new collection.
What inspired you to design?
As a designer, I always relate to the luxury wear which has a royal touch to it. While designing a garment I imagine the garden of Mughal palaces and that’s how the concept of a swan came up. The intricate embroideries and weaving is a strong inspiration from the garden, walls, ceilings, floors and the decor of palaces. My thought process also moved towards the queen in palaces who were sometimes euphoric, sad, in the festive mood or fierce as a merrier and hence the colours of my collection move from light to dark depicting the many moods of a woman.
In bridal wear, Sabyasachi is the benchmark. Why will people go for your designs?
Well, that’s true. But I strongly feel that brides would love to come to us and they do that as well because of many reasons. Firstly, we have our own creativity and designing sensibilities which is not an imitation of any designer and secondly, the hard work and workmanship which is put in every garment makes it bespoke. We also offer very competent prices as it is our own manufacturing and we have our own flagship store and last but not the least we don’t compromise on the quality of work, material or fabric.
How far you are comfortable with experimentation in the field of fashion?
I would love to experiment with the treatment of fabrics in form of dying or texturing. I would also like to work on creating a marble effect on the fabric in a natural way.
Your take on innovation and creativity in the fashion industry.
Innovation and creativity in the fashion industry are to sense the changes taking place in the world and respond to them sensitively and immediately. These changes can be directly perceived in the way the individuals dress, giving unambiguous information about the wearer, their taste, and natural characteristics.
Do you believe the young designers are more into rehashing old style than introducing new ones?
No, I don’t think so. The new breed of designers is very ambitious and focussed. There is a lot of competition in the world of fashion designing. So, I feel every designer comes up with a new style or a trend that he or she relates to. The designing or creation of a designer is actually the outcome of their outlook towards life.
Do you ever experience a phase of complete lack of productivity in your designs?
No, I never felt that. I travel a lot and that has made me feel that there is so much in this world to take inspiration from that no designer shall ever get exhausted of designs. Designing is basically an outcome of your passion and sensibilities.
What are the new designs you are working on currently?
At present, I am working on our fall-winter collection. The range will see darker hues and embellishments likes crystals, beads, Swarovski and stones done in a tasteful manner keeping in mind the approaching winter season. A new taste of texturing is also being done on velvets and brocades.
How do you see fashion 5 years down the line?
I feel 5 years down the line the youth would prefer comfort over style. Handloom and textile industry will get an even better makeover and fabric like cotton, linen and khadi will be prominent on runways as global warming is on the rise. And not to mention fashion bloggers, stylists and fashion apps on social media will rise to prominence.
What is your fashion statement?
My style has always been simple and basic. My everyday casual look comprises a skirt or denim. My watch and a pair of sunglass are to complete my look. I always love to adorn my creations which are ethnic and elaborate like anarkalis, lehangas or shararas.
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