Like every girl growing up in an environment inspired by colours and celebration, 23-year-old Karishma Luharuwala loved dressing up and dressing others as well! Driven by her fascination with fashion, she eventually became an encyclopaedia of Indian and international designers, studying their designs and styles.
By the end of her first year in college, Karishma gave wings to her dream by setting up the designer brand Faabiiana along with her mother Kusum in 2009. Their vintage and luxury brand features sarees, suits, kurtis , lehengas and bridal trousseau. In Chennai for an exhibition, Karishma talks about her passion…
What’s the best and worst part of being in the fashion industry?
The best part is that you will have a creative and exciting career that many people only dream about. It is a creative journey where people can rise from humble beginnings and become stars like Ralph Lauren, for example. I haven’t found any disadvantages. One should just realise that just talent is not enough; you need to get out there and make sure everybody knows about your skills.
As a youngster, what do you bring into the business?
Being a youngster in the business and creating a space for yourself is not easy as over 4000 graduates pass out every year from fashion institutes. So you have to constantly be on your toes to showcase your skills. Being a youngster it’s always exciting to bring something new in your garments as everyone appreciates uniqueness.
Your take on the Chennai market...
In Chennai, prêt works better than couture wear. People here dress elegantly unlike the flashy fashionistas of Delhi or Mumbai. Customers here pay for quality and longevity.
What will you be showcasing in Chennai?
I have focused on bridal trousseau; pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding garments. We have used silks, muslin, chiffons and Banarasi fabrics, with gota-patti work being the highlight. We have also added a touch of embroidery, zardozi and chikankari .
How easy or difficult is it designing a bridal trousseau?
It’s fun! I get to play with colours as a bride doesn’t want to repeat colours and same with the styling and silhouettes. Trousseau planning entails identifying the individual’s inherent style and redefining it to suit her lifestyle and wedding theme.
Give us a heads-up on the trends for the season?
Colours for this season are dusk blue, lemon zest, African violet, watermelon pink, poppy red and all soft colours including beige and whites. Plain anarkalis with Mukesh work-dupattas and heavy net dupattas are in. Light-weight lehengas are also in high demand as are short dresses with heavy jackets.
