Weaving drama through fabric
A small setup in my home garden was created with a few sewing machines to make it interesting.
Constantly striving to better her work, not comparing herself with others, learning and unlearning while committing mistakes, are the mantras behind designer Kaveri Lalchand's success in the fashion world. This Sindhi kohl eyed beauty loves to dabble with linen, which is the star of her creations. With a brief stint in theatre, this actress turned designer makes it a point to infuse art and literature into her shows as was evident in the recent Lakme Fashion Week where her show was centred around the poem ‘What Do Girls Want’, revealing that even if it is a simple red dress, every woman’s choice is different. Veteran actor Shabana Azmi was the showstopper and graced the ramp in a black dress with pink and grey details.
“I started this brand because I love making clothes — textiles and embroideries fascinate me”, says Kaveri. “A small setup in my home garden was created with a few sewing machines to make it interesting. I have always been designing clothes, costumes and liked to experiment with fabrics.”
A simpleton at heart, she says, “I work only with linen and I generally only wear natural fabrics. My main concern is that clothes should be comfortable, make you feel good, confident, and stylish, and importantly —should be well sewed. The clothes should not let you down; should not fall apart. Fabric should be of a superior quality”.
The artist in her looks for drama in everything- “Yes… I find drama in everything. The way a simple thread evolves and creates beautiful designs on a fabric, creating something new, adds drama to it”, she laughs.
“I believe in complete team work — everyone sharing responsibilities, pitching in, working towards a common goal and sharing the success. My mother, brother and sister all contribute to my business in their own way”, confesses Kaveri on her 6-year journey in the designing sphere.
“We are the only brand that works solely with linen fabrics I have personally interacted with over 50,000 women and listened to them. I design clothes keeping thoughts, fears and needs in mind and then make clothes that would make them happy. The styles are versatile to suit different occasions and allows each woman to personalize it to suit her style”, she adds.
“Anyone can apply to Lakme Fashion Week and their jury decides”, she says about the LFW. “But I have also done trade shows in London and Paris and my line is available internationally too”.