Sonam Kapoor doesn’t follow rules: Designer Anamika Khanna

Designer Anamika Khanna says traditions are not practical today; adds that fast fashion “fosters continuous movement and growth”.

She might not attend all the shows held in the country, but Kolkata-based designer Anamika Khanna is a name to reckon with in the Indian fashion industry. Though she prefers to stay away from the spotlight, her innovative designs often make her the subject of discussions in fashion circles.

Several celebrities, including Bollywood style icon Sonam Kapoor, swear by Khanna’s fluid silhouettes. The actor’s Cannes forays are incomplete without an appearance in her creations. Here, the designer, who recently released a new collection, talks about feeling more confident now, how fashion has changed, and more.

Read: Designer Anamika Khanna says we should stop aping trends blindly

Why do you keep a low profile?

I am true to myself. It is not a conscious decision, it is just who I am. It is more about what I do and what my product is.

Deepika Padukone often sports the designer’s creations.

You are known as the queen of drapes. Are you satisfied with this moniker?

No, I want to be known as someone who pushes the boundaries, and had a role to play in modernising Indian fashion. Drapes are part of what I do.

You created the half sari and the dhoti pant. How important is it to make traditional garbs more contemporary?

While I have immense respect for traditions, they are not practical in today’s scenario in many ways. If we do not make them more contemporary, they will fade out and die.

Sonam swears by your creations. What do you have to say about her style statement?

Sonam is a style statement herself. She is bold, experimental, fashionable, stylish, intelligent and stunning.

What is the one thing that sets her style apart?

She does not follow rules. She is the key factor in changing the way Bollywood dresses today.

Sonam Kapoor in an Anamika Khanna creation at the Cannes Film Festival this year. (Getty Images)

How much do you care about what others are doing in the fashion industry?

While it is important to know what is going on [in the industry], it doesn’t affect my work. I have my own space; my competition is with myself. I recently launched my new collection, which is available at Ogaan, Malcha Marg, in Delhi. I’m happy with that.

A model in a design by Khanna.

How has your design approach changed over the past two decades?

I’ve come almost 180 degrees, and I hope the remaining 180 degrees will be another journey. Fashion is about change and growth. I feel more confident today. I am able to take risks and sense what works. Today, design for me is less confused, and more defined and honest.

For many designers, fashion is more about commerce than passion or art. What is your take on this?

It is sad, but it is the reality of life. You have to sell at the end of the day. The ideal situation is when you mix that passion and art, and still be commercially successful.

Fast fashion (clothing lines that are based on the most recent trends presented at fashion weeks) is being criticised as something that is ruining the industry.

It’s true, but it also fosters continuous movement and growth. I agree that the ‘eras’ of fashion are dying out, but fashion is a reflection of social times. This is what the world is today — fast, furious and changing constantly.

Read: Will independent fashion shows become popular in India

Is there any change that you would like to see in the fashion industry?

The fashion industry needs a boost. The way we are going, we won’t be able to make a statement to the world.