A romantic fashion'ation

Mansi Bihani, a travel enthusiast and art connoisseur, cannot really remember a time when she wasn’t invigorated by the world of design. While the design bug bit this Bengaluru lass early on, her decision to set-up a clothing line sprouted out of a recent quirky fascination – to egg women on to go pant-less! In a candid chat, the enterprising  30-year-old tells us how Skirt&Co, her home-based venture, is a by-product of her love for the unconventional and more...

“From very early on, I’ve had the flair for creativity and been inclined towards contributing to the art and design industry. I have always been drawn towards colours, textures and patterns that appeal to my sense of sight. My clothing style is inspired by Jane Austen books, Audrey Hepburn movies and all things romantic and vintage,” shares the NIFT Kolkata graduate, who was awarded the ‘Most Creative Designer’ for batch 2005-09 by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Fortunately for her, the honour only propelled her to pull up her socks and start-up. “In October 2016, I started working from a room in my house with a team of three. The idea was simple – to make a lot of skirts as it is the most flattering garment for a woman. We also do dresses, gowns and sarees – just no pants!” quips Mansi. Speaking about what catches her eye and inspires her, she adds, “I’ve always vouched by a romantic and intimate sense of style. My works are reflective of the new-age woman’s unbridled charisma and also spell affordable, with pieces starting at Rs 3,000. Apart from Bengaluru, we have been presenting our clothes in different cities in India and are grateful for the appreciation and love received so far.” While she loves to do what she does, the young homemaker also lets us in on her other interests. “I’m a hands-down people’s person. That also speaks a great deal about my other interest – hosting people from around the world. I also run a bed and breakfast from my residence, which keeps me preoccupied. In my spare time, I like to cook, read, work out and spend time with my family and friends.”

With a couple of exhibits on the cards, Mansi has her hands full. Not like the multi-tasker is complaining, either.  “I think it is important to love the journey. And I’m doing exactly that. Travelling around town and across the country and putting up exhibits are on the cards. I hope to reflect wanderlust through my clothing and offer the average city-goer a brush with designs that speak.”