'Kareena's sex appeal is infinite'

When asked to rate five celebs based on their sex appeal on a scale of 1 to 10, fashion designer Swapnil Shinde went ballistic with his own rating system. Sonil Dedia spoke to the designer at the Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.

What was the inspiration behind naming your new collection Alice on Acid?

The theme is called Alice in Acid and the whole concept came to my mind when I was in Goa, my second home. I was strolling on the beach and I saw a group of young girls who were obviously high on something and they were in their own wonderland. A thought just came to my mind: Alice too wasn't in wonderland maybe she was just high on something. My line has so many colours for the first time. I decided to work on something psychedelic, vibrant and trance.

You have always been termed as quirky and edgy designer...

I think it is a very huge compliment. For me to do something provocative and get the Indian people thinking is really exciting. Normal people are not open to my outfits, which are so crazy. Surprisingly people have started accepting these so called quirky designs. Earlier when I made ready-to-wear dresses people never took notice of me.

Just after your show got over I heard some people saying that they might not like to buy the collection showcased as they felt it was not wearable.

I guess it really depends on me as designer what I would like to showcase. I have been making these unusual designer clothes from the past four years and surprisingly these designs are working and selling. I would be a fool to make crazy designs again and again if I wouldn't be making money. One of the main reasons why people shy away from buying these clothes is they think that it is going to be expensive. My clothes are very affordable and even a college going girl would be able to buy it.

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How would you react if a celebrity showstopper doesn't turn up for the event?

I have faced this problem and honestly that is the reason I don't believe in the concept of celebrity showstoppers.

It's a very stressful situation when a celebrity backs out at the last moment. I want to create my brand image on the basis of my designs and not because of some celebrity. I have some good friends in the film industry who come and support me all the time but I don't think I'll ever want a celebrity showstopper.

Do you think models are better than celebrities on the ramp as they are trained to do it?

Definitely. My models have been my inspiration. Manasvi Mamgai has been my muse for the longest time.

Give us three shortcuts to improve one's appearance...

I am completely against bleach blonde hairs, its better to keep them natural. Second thing is to try and find out the signature style that suits your personality. Third thing would be not being afraid of wearing heels.

What is the worst thing about being your own boss?

I expect too much out of myself. Every season I try to present something different but at the same time try and stick to my signature style, which is very difficult.

Describe your state of mind just before a show?

Very honestly I am very relaxed before the show, as I like to enjoy the process. Just before the show we all were having a blast. I don't participate in the fashion week to get in touch with the buyer; I do it because as I am passionate about it.

What inspires your personal sense of style?

My personal sense of style is st (Laughs). Its very casual and that is why I have never indulged in menswear because I don't think I have the sensibility to do it.

How stylish are we as a country?

Whether its wedding or cocktail parties Indian women are open to experiment with their clothes and this is a very exciting time in India.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate the following five celebrities on their sex appeal?

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 11

Vidya Balan: 6

Deepika Padukone: 6

Priyanka Chopra: 15

Kareena Kapoor: Infinite (sex appeal)