Like every other teenager, I decided to pursue my graduation. Soon after, I did my post graduation i.e., MBA in finance. While I always liked to dress up for functions and casual outing, I didn’t really know that my true calling was in fashion lifestyle. At least, not until my sister and I decided to map the length and breadth of Delhi for her wedding shopping.
Having visited all designer labels and exhibitions at that time, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my analysis of what’s in fashion and what’s out of fashion was mostly right. After a point in time, I could almost predict the trends of the fashion industry. Coming from a business family that traded in handloom and had an inherent sense of style, I realised that working with fabrics and designs came organically to me. In between all this, I was working with a leading Japanese bank that paid me well and took me across the globe for work. But as they say, you will find happiness where your heart is. And thus began my journey of exploring my love for all things fashion and style.
As destiny would have it, I got enrolled for a fashion women wear course in the celebrated Pearl Academy. The academy helped me bring out my skills and sharpen my craft. One fine morning, as I stepped out of my bed to get ready for work it dawned upon me that without wasting a single moment, I must take the plunge into being a full-time fashion designer. Having an extremely supportive family always works to your advantage. A few dinner table conversations and workplace discussions later, it was clear that am going to launch my own very label. With my sister by my side who shared a similar passion as me, we decided to call our label – dresstorybysisters. Within six months of our launch, we had a loyal customer base and had behind us a successful exhibition at The Hyatt. Today, our label has managed to ruffle a few feathers in the industry and we are extremely humbled at the steady growth of our venture. We have a few plans lined up in the coming months and are supremely excited to see how it all unfolds for us. In the end, whatever may be the result, there’s no better living than living your dreams and pursuing your passion.
What is the inspiration behind your designs?
The idea is to keep it simple. Create trendy yet comfortable clothing wear. If your cloth is not comfortable, whatever may be the design, it won’t work.
What are the key elements for you when designing a collection for each season?
When designing a collection we keep in mind the mood, time of the year, the upcoming trends etc. Of course, fabric, color palette and embellishments goes without saying. All of this put together helps us come up with a collection.
What challenges did you face when launching your brand?
It would be dishonest on my part if I said there weren’t any challenges. Right from the time the thought came into my mind of launching my own label, there were challenges. Giving up a well paying job, naming our brand, getting a team behind, creating your presence. Far too many to list. But, my family was my biggest support. With their blessings, everything sort of fell in place and we came overcame the challenges.
What are your plans for the future?
We are working round the clock to showcase our designs in an upcoming exhibition.
What do you think are the keys to professional and business success for women in India?
A strong vision, great attitude, perseverance till the end. Irrespective of the gender, you will succeed.
What advice would you give to young women readers who want to follow a similar career path as you?
Believe in your dreams, till the end. As women, we are the source of life. There’s literally nothing that we cannot do.
What sparked your interest in fashion?
That’s slightly difficult. Frankly,, I can’t put my finger to a date,month, year. How I would like to see it is that while I always liked to dress up for functions and casual outing, I didn’t really know my true calling was in fashion lifestyle. At least, not until my sister and I decided to map the length and breadth of Delhi for her wedding shopping. Having visited all designer labels and exhibitions at that time, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my analysis of what’s in fashion and what’s out of fashion was mostly right. After a point in time, I could almost prophesize what is going to be in trend.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your company?
There will be turbulence. There would be times when the going would be tough, very tough. Results may be far from what you expected. But in the end, survival will not depend on the numbers but in your own belief that this is a phase and it too shall pass. Don’t give up and brave a smile all through it.
How would you describe your brand?
Our brand is a refreshing and unique take in the couture space. The idea is to create designs that strike a chord with the woman in you. This brand is all about celebrating the small and big moments that make up life.