Q & A: Extra edge comes from marketing skills

Abdul Halder always wanted to be a part of the glamour industry and had a creative bent of mind. Namita Kohli interviews the designer.

Why fashion
Always wanted to be a part of the glamour industry and had a creative bent of mind. There's great scope in it, especially with multi-designer stores and retail outlets. I was good at observing people, their sense of dressing and would get a high making them look good. A streak of creativity was always there, I still draw my sketches as and when the design strikes me.

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What are the skills needed for a fashion designer?
There's a lot of space now for young designer, if you are talented and have a thing for design, sketches. A simple well-cut dress that fits well, can be a great piece of work. But there's more to it. You have to have a sound technical base and good machines.

You should also be good with basics like pattern cutting and stitching. Also, one needs to be keep in mind that creativity part, you got to be practical, at the end of the day your work has to sell. It has to be acceptable within the norms of the society.

What about that extra edge?
For a fashion designer, the extra edge comes from his marketing and communication skills. You have got to have a PR strategy and invest in that. You may have a great product, but if you can't market it, it's no use. You have to be 'seen' at the right places and interact with media. There's great competition and you need to be seen too.