Urban Factory launched its exclusive collection at the Bangalore Fashion Week 2016 recently. Techie turned fashionista Madhuri Lakkapragada, founder of Urban Factory, opens up to MetroPlus about her journey through fashion.
What triggered the genesis of Urban Factory?
I loved fashion since I was a little girl. However, at home there was this unsaid rule of pursuing a career in medicine or engineering. I used to follow fashion magazines. Travelling to the US influenced me as it opened opportunities and made exploring fashion easier. I was in the US to pursue my Masters in computer science and started off as an engineer. But, here in India, when I visited the stores of a few international brands, I noticed the clothes being sold were outdated. The stores were selling clothes that were a season late. I wanted to bridge this gap. Also we have so many body types which requires different sizes. There were no such specifications in India. So in Urban Factory, the clothes are designed to fit different body types.
How has the process of achieving this goal been?
It wasn’t easy. There has been two years of research. I took up a diploma in fashion designing for two years in San Francisco, then took off to Singapore, Korea, Italy and Spain to do analysis on fabrics and the manufacturers there so that I could achieve radical transparency. I’m in direct contact with manufacturers in Korea and Singapore. We also have a team of two members who analyse our clientele. We do this to ensure there are no agents or middlemen. This is our USP. My runway pieces are designed in Italy and Spain. I’m also setting up a manufacturing centre in Los Angeles.
Could you elaborate on your summer collection?
It is divided into four themes —Indigo Blue (which encompasses different tones of blue in the garments with straight line cuts and geometrical prints), Nature Sage (which brings out natural colours), Mosaic Tiles (with Mosaic prints with lace details) Belle de Jour (which provides for a more festive occasion).
What has kept you going?
My passion towards achieving my goals and the support I have received from my husband and my family have kept me determined to give my best.
