The ‘Kaul’ of Couture

Dubai-based fashion designer Hema Kaul’s debut at the London Fashion Week in 2014 was the culmination of a childhood dream. At an age when little girls toyed around with fashion accessories for fun, Hema had found her calling. She was mesmerised by the colours, cuts and the feel of fabrics — a passion that only deepened with time. So why did she specifically choose LFW?

“London is a great platform to make your presence felt especially as far as the international media is concerned. But having said that, it was not at all easy. I had to go through the application, presentations interviews like anyone else,” she says without stating the obvious that she had emerged with flying colours.

As a Dubai resident, Hema has been an active participant of Fashion Forward Dubai, which she describes as a definitive fashion platform for the Middle East. “This is a fashion movement that highlights strengths, inspires and nurtures industry growth and its wealth of talent, with the ultimate goal of driving forward the entire fashion industry in the region,” she adds.

Coming from a prominent business family in Dubai, Hema was blessed to have found their unflinching support. “My family is very encouraging of my career as they always wanted me to pursue my fashion dream. I used to take interest and be on the lookout for upcoming trends, travelling the world to attend various fashion shows and purchasing materials that I tinkered with,” she confesses like a true blue fashionista.

Having been exposed to the finest haute couture names in the world, Hema unabashedly admires Alexander McQueen and Coco Chanel. But having closely followed the Indian fashion industry, she admits to being inspired by Sabyasachi Mukherji.

“He incorporates antique textiles and cultural traditions of his home town, Kolkata. This has been a lifelong inspiration for a designer who believes that “clothes should just be an extension of one’s intellect,” points out Hema. Ask her if she plans to participate in any of the Indian fashion weeks and she adds that “India is on the cards very soon.”

Hema’s journey to the London Fashion Week was gradual. Prior to that her couture pieces had been sold privately and she was also involved in her family business of producing perfumes. But Hema straddles the worlds of fragrance and design with relative ease. She shares her tips. “Time management is something I work on, and since both are creative fields, it works well for me. Also I won’t deny while creativity is important, but one should also have the skill to sell the product and become an overall success, I have been involved in the family business for over 14 years and have aspired for my brand to be presented on a larger platform.”

She may not have showcased her collection in the country yet, but has not stopped her from styling some of our popular Bollywood stars like Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Bipasha Basu, Ileana D’Cruz, Malaika Arora Khan and others

Ask her to name a favourite and she picks Karisma Kapoor. “She is beautiful and has an innate sense of style and it shows each time she makes an appearance,” While Hema personal style has been described as chic, classic and elegant, she is open to experimentation and likes to “dress women who have the personality to stand out in a crowd.”

Hema may travel the world in search of the perfect fabric and a unique design inspiration but when in Dubai, she makes sure to be home before her kids go to sleep. “I like to reflect on the day that has been. I am thankful for all my blessings especially my family. I destress with hot yoga or in the company of good friends. And I always go to sleep with a smile on my face.” And while she sleeps, the dreams of making Hema Kaul a global brand continues. More power to the lady!