Known for her distinctive style, Delhi-based designer Deepa Goyal has been busy expanding the scope and reach of her work. As a corollary to her expansion plans, her label DG was recently launched with the opening of the first retail store in MG 13, Sultanpur, New Delhi.
Excerpts from an interview:
A little about your fall-winter 2014 collection, the inspiration behind it and the brief you’ve worked with…
This fall-winter 2014 collection is a striking range of bridal, pre-bridal and contemporary couture. I have designed this collection for the traditionally modern Indian woman, who is in step with the latest global trends yet treasures her cultural roots. The highlights of my collection for this season are sharp silhouettes that accentuate the female form with fine ruching, linear and asymmetric cuts and unusual drapes.
Having recently launched your flagship store, tell us a little about moving into retail and your motivations?
Moving towards retail was always on the cards and basing it in the fashion hub as the ‘Gallery on the MG’ gives me an opportunity to reach out to a discerning clientele that flocks to this fashion hot spot. This store will house my entire portfolio and I am especially excited about the launch of my fall-winter collection 2014 that captures my design vision for the season.
With every collection, you try something new but is there a common thread or essential fashion musts that you work with across collections?
I combine Indian craftsmanship with innovative contemporary silhouettes to create a distinctive look. Working with lines, fluidity of fabrics and three-dimensional embroidery with clear focus on volume play and extempore draping, the blend of traditional techniques, innovative treatments and modern silhouettes brings an element of surprise to every piece of my collection. I am equally comfortable creating perfectly structured contemporary couture as well as stunningly crafted Indian bridal wear. What gives me the ultimate high is seeing my clientele stand out in a crowd in their outfits with unique cuts, vibrant colours and judicious choice of fabric.
Being Since you are based out of in Delhi, it’ll be interesting to know how you’ve seen the city’s style and sense of fashion evolving?
Delhiites are today perhaps the most fashion-forward compared to any other city nationwide. Not surprisingly most of the well known fashion designers are based out of Delhi. Delhi has come a long way from being known just for ostentation. There is no doubt that on an average people in Delhi spend more time on dressing up, even for a casual event since they always want to put their best foot forward. It is not just restricted to those who can afford expensive designer wear, street fashion in Delhi rocks as well. A trip to the Delhi University is the best reflection of this — where young boys and girls are funkily clad in clothes that may be from Sarojini Nagar but put together with a lot of imagination! Indian fashion is sought after and recognised globally now and Delhi is indeed at the centre of the Indian fashion map.
What other plans are there in the pipeline?
I have my hands full at the moment with my flagship store. I look forward to growing the presence of the DG (Deepa Goyal) label to other parts of India and expanding my base among the strong non-resident Indian population. I already have a loyal set of clients among them. Most of all I hope my designs can turn the dreams of my customers into reality, where more than being just outfits, they mirror their inner desires and bring out the hidden beauty that exists in all.
