India’s 1st female designer showcasing at Paris Couture Week

Amid all the negative news surrounding us, here’s something to celebrate for all fashion aficionados in India as designer Vaishali Shadhangule, who owns the label Vaishali S, has been invited as a guest member to showcase her collection at Paris Haute Couture Week 2021. She was finally shortlisted after several rounds of interviews which took around 6 months.
Known for creating wearable art with her weaves from different parts of India, Vaishali is among the prominent names who avidly promote sustainability. She has also showcased at the New York Fashion Week and has been a regular since 2015. She talks to The Times of India, E Times and tells us how she plans to show the world India’s rich heritage through different weaves. Here’s an excerpt.
Congratulations on this achievement, how excited or nervous are you?
This news came to me while I was still recovering from Covid-19 and now there is so much excitement. This was my dream. I had been working really hard for it.

How was the selection procedure like?

It was very tough. I had to go through several rounds where they asked me so many questions. I had to convince a panel of 15 judges as to what makes my brand different and why I deserve to be here. I shared videos of how I make my own fabric and by the end, they were impressed and realised that what I do is real couture. There were 20 applications, out of which they only selected three designers including my brand Vaishali S, Balenciaga and another label.

What are you going to showcase at the Paris Haute Couture Week?

This time I want to go all out in showcasing my creativity. There would be haute couture gowns but with a Vaishali S twist. We have to present 25 garments on the ramp. A lot of these International designers take inspiration from our threadwork and get our karigars to make their collection. I want to show the global market that India has a lot more to offer through this collection of mine.

Any piece of advice for young designers on the block?

You need to keep dreaming and work towards your goal. We spoil our creativity in a bid to make things more commercial. I had never thought about business. I concentrated on my design and the rest followed.

End of the article

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