Wearable, efficient and comfortable

Minimalistic and contemporary in her approach to designs, Archana Rao decided to choose fashion because it was a growing market in the country. The designer, who will showcase her fall/winter 2016 collection in the city, talks to us about her first solo show. “Though I’ve collaborated with others and showcased my collections in the city, this is the first time I am doing a solo exhibition. I hope to see more customers and waiting to interact with them. Chennaiites are fashion conscious and know even minute detailing about the costumes,” says the designer, who holds a Masters degree from the Parsons School of Design, New York.

With her simple and feminine designs, she launched the Archana Rao Label in 2011. In 2012, the label debuted with the Lakme Fashion Week, under the gen-next category. In 2014, the young designer won the prestigious ‘Vogue India Fashion Fund’, with a cash grant for business expansion and mentor ship from Vogue India.

“I will be showcasing Indo-Western collections that are light weight and multi-purpose. The entire collection is easy to wear and Chennaiites are going to love it,” she muses.

From tailored jackets to contemporary Indian wear, her collections have clean, classic lines and incorporate mute tones and prints with quirky contrasts. “The result is modern and wearable, creating highly resolved clothing built to stand outside trends and time,” she beams.

The label has a sub brand, ‘Frou Frou by Archana Rao’. “This brand specialises in ready-to-wear basics, shoes, bags and a special range of stationery with my original artworks.”

Archana, who has worked with actors like Samantha, Taapsee Pannu, Alia Bhatt and others, opines that celebs are conscious about their look these days. — “Most actors are very particular about the costumes they wear. Films and fashion go hand in hand, and as a designer, I make sure I give my best to my clients.”

Though it’s only been four years since Archana entered the fashion industry, the designer is quite popular among her peers. “I don’t follow any particular trend. But make sure that all my creations have an interesting detailing and a classic design. I make wearable clothes and don’t go overboard with any of my designs.”
Archana says that the fashion industry has become experimental. “There are so many designers cropping up daily. People have a lot of options to choose from. So, I always try to make clothes that are wearable and efficient,” the fashionista sums up.

(Archana Rao will be showcasing her collection at Amethyst till November 27)