Creating garments that are simple, yet striking isn't easy. But Mumbai-based designers Kiran Jaisinghani and Meghna Agarwal achieve that with ease. Trained by Priyadharshini Rao before launching their label “Myoho” which is into its fourth showing at Lakme India Fashion Week, the duo has a flair for fabric and colour. Seemingly simple, their garments come with eyebrow-raising detail.
Here's a quick five by the designers who launch their new line “Breathe”, at Collage, Greams Road, today.
LIGHTNESS IS ALL Myoho has been in Chennai for a year now. Our aesthetic is very much in sync with Chennai's — non-fussy and understated. “Breathe” is airy and light. Not just in terms of the fabrics used. Visually too, it doesn't take you on an overdrive. It's easy to wear and not over-the-top. We've done a lot of minute appliqué and smocking for that feminine feel. The palette ranges from black and ivory to our signature earth tones. But the surprise would be the limited range of sunshine colours.
UPCOMING FASHION WEEK We've shown thrice at the pageants — evolved from the Gen Next category to Established Designer category at Lakme India Fashion week. At the upcoming show too we will be there. Called “Butterfly Effect”, the line we'll be showing is a departure from our typical earthy look. It's a vibrant collection with pretty prints in shimmering silk. As designers we have to move on to new experiments without tampering with our signature aesthetic.
MYOHO? WHAT? It's very Buddhist, and means the mystic forces of Nature. It had a nice ring to it. People do mispronounce it all the time. But it's got great recall value among clients. So we stuck to the name.
MATERIAL GIRLS Yes, fabrics decide our lines. It's our primary source of inspiration. We don't just work on but also develop our own fabrics. For our upcoming line, we've done plenty of prints on light silk. We are fond of texturing too. It adds character to garments. Since both of us have a fair knowledge of fashion history and costume (Kiran is from SNDT and London College of Fashion, while Meghna is from NIFT), it has helped in our progress as designers.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Thankfully, our sensibilities match. Otherwise, it isn't easy for two designers to pull off line after line. Basically, we like wearable, comfortable clothes that are easy on the shoulder and on the eye. We prefer uncomplicated cuts and simple detailing – a tie-up here or a sash there. To carry off a creation well, it has to be fuss-free, light and flattering.
