In 2006, Anand Kabra debuted at the Lakme Fashion Week with a collection titled ‘Hatsuhi: First sun'. Six years down the line, he took centre stage at the recently-concluded Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week with his fall/winter 2012 line ‘Becoming Kami'. In these six years, Anand has earned his position among the top designers from the country. He still remains reticent, will not be seen often in Page 3 dos and lets his work to speak for him. The fondness for Japanese influence is also intact.
Recouping in Hyderabad after the fashion week, Anand talks about his collection inspired by Misogi-No-O-Harai ritual in Shinto, which is the act of purifying the past, present and future. “It's a spiritual journey. I have always loved reading and learning about Japanese philosophy, which has parallels with Hinduism. As an observer of Japanese culture and clothing, I find that nothing is shallow. Everything is detail oriented. In a way, my new collection signifies rejuvenation, cleansing and a new beginning for me.”
The setting and the music were meditative as Anand showcased a collection with the theme of ‘water' and ‘nature'. Lotus blooms, lotus leaves and reeds motifs were used on cottons, coated wool, stub silks, organza, crepes and chiffons. “I used different fabrics because each fabric reacts and behaves differently, adding to the character of the outfits. I used a lot of layers, which is ideal for Indian winters,” he says.
Many designers have earlier drawn inspiration from nature, but Anand says he didn't have to make an effort to not be repetitive. “The inspiration came from within me, so the chances of being repetitive were slim. Even while using lotuses, which Rohit Bal uses often, I knew that my interpretation was different,” he explains.
Flowy fabric and Indian silhouettes have been Anand's staples. Even as he plans to go global in the next two years, he doesn't shy away from using Indian silhouettes. “I feel strongly about Indian silhouettes and am particularly fond of saris. Nowhere in the world is a national costume used as day-to-day wear. Most other nations have relegated their national costume to an occasion or festive wear,” he says. He asserts that his prime business focus is in India.
For a runaway medical student who found solace in fashion and fine-tuned his skills at the London School of Fashion, he has come a long way. At one point, he did design for a few Telugu films. “I haven't closed my doors. I am willing to take up provided something challenging is offered to me. I don't want to design for just the songs,” he says.
Finally, for those who feel that he is becoming unreachable as he grows in stature, he says with a sigh, “I am still based in Hyderabad and am a phone call/ email/ sms away. I try my best to do my bit for fashion in this city. If people prefer to think I am unreachable, so be it.”
