When art meets design

Sanjana Jon debuted with her collection at Cannes for the Film Festival. This led to the New York Fashion week debut and Vancouver fashion week where she won International Rising Star award.

“As a child, I used to live with my grandparents. The way my grandmother draped her saree was incredible to watch. My fashion aspiration started from there”, says Sanjana. “And since my mother is from London, I was influenced by western culture as well. It led to the harmonious balance of madness to bring both the styles together in my fashion”.

Sanjana follows a strict no animal cruelty rule. She does not exploit fur or leather in her collection and uses organic environmentally friendly fabrics, especially khadi, and has been named as the Global Ambassador for Environment.

“I don't want to hurt a living creature for the benefit of clothes, which is why I don't involve leather in my work. I employ the village women to create organic fabrics, no matter how expensive it is”, she says. She tied up with United Nations and held a press conference in its New York headquarters in support of Global Human Rights.

Sanjana is also a canine lover and has set up a special sanctuary for more than 100 tigers in Florida and has currently adopted more than 300 street dogs. “There is a plunder of motherhood - forest fires, floods and water crisis are the tip of an iceberg. We have to identify the problems and change its direction”, she feels.

She has also worked with the Miss Universe project along with Donald Trump. “I design jewellery and clothes for both men and women. My motto is to make the person presentable and look and feel great”. She has also worked with stars including Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen.

“Artistic ability for creating a collection and definitely presentable clothes that suit the body is important for me. I don't like to hurt or body shame even though it is a competitive industry” Sanjana explains.

Talking about her brother and renowned designer Anand Jon, she says, “He is my support always, I owe all to him. Till now I seek guidance from him.” She also says that her uncle KJ Yesudas and cousin Vijay Yesudas are contributing to her success.

“Miles to go before I sleep”, is Sanjana's daily mantra. She thinks caring and sharing is essential for life. “Live thinking every day that it's your last. Value the day and be human without being divisive about caste, creed and culture,” she advises.

Sanjana is currently taking a step into filmmaking. “I am doing a film about environmentally sustainable products. I'm involving a lot of youth in the project to make it a pan-India movie. I am also getting guidance from experts to resolve the issue to make it environment-friendly. Life is not confined to physical or financial issues, it is more than that”, she concludes.