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'An Indian woman's sexuality lies in her eyes'
Fashion designer Deepika Govind is back. And with a bang one must say. Or rather 'Pop'.
After missing out seven seasons Deepika showcased textiles and designs rooted in Indian-ness on Day 3 of the recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. Her designs were labeled 'Pop Patola' and there was no mistaking the fact that the audience appreciated it wholeheartedly.
And this designer from Bangalore was completely overwhelmed as she took a bow with "tears of elation" clearly making their presence felt.
The veteran of 14 years in the Indian fashion fraternity opened her heart up in this interview with Prasanna D Zore on the sidelines of a press conference soon after her show.
Among other things she discussed why the sexuality of Indian women lie in her eyes, how she would dress up Anna Hazare and of course her success mantras and words of wisdom for young and aspiring Indian fashion designers.
'I don't think a woman's sex appeal or feminity lies in showing her cleavage or her butt'
How tired are you after the show and so many interviews?
No, not at all. Not at all. In fact, this is the happiest day of my life. I have finally been able to communicate my message: don't forget our tradition.
Do you think after your show today you will become a trendsetter in that we will now see more of textile, design and sensuality on the ramp instead of skin and western styles?
I hope, I hope. There is something wrong with short dresses...
Is that a 'conservative' speaking?
I don't like my women to show her cleavage! I don't think a woman's sex appeal or feminity lies in showing her cleavage or her butt. I don't like it, I don't like it. Indian women's sexuality lies in their eyes.
'I have been in the industry for 14 years'
Which part of India are you from?
I am from Bangalore and I live between Bangalore and Delhi. I have been in the industry for 14 years (giggles) and one of the senior most designers of FDCI. But I took a break for six seven seasons and now I have come back. When called me and said there is textile day platform and my friends and team said this is the place. I don't want to say we are only textile-textile but hat made my life easier.
But I must say that Bombay and NIFW have been a very beautiful experience. If you look at me I have been staying 10 days in Delhi and 10 days in Bangalore. And what has made me happy is Bombay is finally appreciating textiles which I honestly never expected.
That I think is the turnaround and change happening in the people... very tired of the polyesters and nylons. They never used to appreciate textiles.
Tell us about your design today...
These were modern contemporary silhouettes with traditional textiles called 'Pop Patola'.
'Differentiate or die'
Your success mantras...
- Be who you are. That's the core thing.
- Listen to professional when they advice you because they mean well for you and then know better than you do.
- Don't do anything just because the market wants you to do it.
- Define an identity.
- Differentiate or die.
'Anna Hazare doesn't have to wear white to show his white'
Who are these professionals who you listened to?
I listened to Gautam (Kalra, stylist), Clint Fernandes (make-up artist), Lubna Adams (choreographer) and DJ Nishant (who works with Lubna), my team Radhika Mishra and Arjun Pan. These are really hard professionals and I listen to their advice.
I am good in what I do but I listen to what they have to say.
How would you dress up Anna Hazare?
I think he should be a little more colourful than our netas. He doesn't have to wear white to show his white (honesty and integrity to the nation). He is white inside and people know that unlike our other netas who wear white to hide the dark inside. He needs to wear patolas and block prints.
Which other Indians would you like to dress up?
I think Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan. Amitabh Bachchan sense of style is amazing. If you have seen in that Gujarat promotion costume... I think I started loving Gujarati style after I saw the way he wore that costume.
'We have to create an Indian fashion and Indian identity to fashion'
Tips to young fashion designers in India...
We have to create an Indian fashion and Indian identity to fashion. Don't follow the West blindly. We don't want to be adherents of any other country; there is so much style, design and creativity among us Indians. We could have used the Indian contingent at Olympics to showcase our talent and design skills.
How would you have dressed them up?
I would have dressed them up in a far more Indian style and ethos. It should have been something sophisticated, international and Indian.
Finally, the values that you cherish in life...
Honesty, simplicity and appreciation of people. Appreciate people who help you