It’s no news that the fashion industry tests everyone’s waters and adheres to the famous phrase – ‘Survival of the fittest’. Guess Saisha is indeed the fittest of them all because not only did she overcome her personal and professional hurdles, but also managed to establish her name on national as well on the international platform! Her journey has been a remarkable one and you don’t want to miss out on the interview in which she talks about it at length!
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
Fashion I feel is essentially rooted in creativity and I have always been creatively and artistically inclined. But definitely it was when I saw a fashion show by GIANNI VERSACE during my school days that I knew this is what I want to do.
Can you tell us about your journey from NIFT to the Runway Project? Where did you work and what hurdles did you face?
The journey has been absolutely exciting, at every milestone in my life I’ve felt I couldn’t achieve more and thus post my NIFT I did my masters in fashion styling, then a reality show called Lakmé fashion house which catapulted me into fashion weeks and the fashion industry which led to numerous red carpet appearances finally giving the brand an identity. Hurdles have been many… but what is anything in life without hurdles. One of the most important hurdles for me as we all know was more personal than professional.
What kind of essence do you seek to reflect through your designs?
I have always believed in singularity, meaning creating one of the pieces that can be in a woman’s wardrobe for life. Modern, edgy and one of a kind. I guess that describes the brand.
What is the most important aspect to retain from the Indian roots while designing an Indo – Western outfit?
The idea is to keep the souls of any Indian textile or craft alive in anything you do, one should respect the craft and then dissect it in a way that it doesn’t lose its value.
Do you believe in the concept of sustainable fashion? How viable is sustainability in the fashion space?
I totally believe in sustainable fashion, though my definition of it is not just restricted to using sustainable textiles, for me it stretches to labour, productivity and usage of an outfit. So as long as my labours lives are improved, the outfit made has couture value thereby making it one of a kind thereby making wastage less is what makes my brand sustainable.
Tell us a little about your experience at the American Television Series “Project Runway”.
It was an experience to say the least, the simple pleasures of meeting Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum for the first time were memorable, alas it was a reality show and I was unaware of the hassles of a reality show. Having said that, it was a major turning point in my life as it literally resurrected me in India.
Any advice to young passionate designers who are about to step in this industry?
Very simple – don’t give up, this industry will test you like any other maybe more at times, but giving up is just not an option. More so, it’s crucial to be technically sound.
How accommodative is the fashion industry with respect to people of different genders and different sexual orientations? How has your current change been treated by the industry?
I believe of all the Industries the fashion industry is by far the most inclusive and accepting. Fashion has a sense of pride for being REAL yet DREAMLIKE and thus it becomes easier for people to thrive here.
My decisions have been truly accepted with pure love, everyone has shown utmost respect, it’s been amazing, I truly AM blessed.
We hope that all the aspirants could get the much needed booster from this and have learned that in life, nothing’s impossible.
Just keep trying!
