Amalin Dutta, one of the most prominent fashion designers, loves to bring innovation in traditional garments, and juggle with colours and design elements to create a signature style of his own. This Puja he is back with his new collection which is a creative mix and match of traditional and modern styles. Through this collection, he endeavours to set a contemporary style statement in the fast evolving fashion industry. Amalin synthesises print, embroidery and dye to rework the magic of Indian aesthetics. Excerpts:

Q What, according to you, defines a fashion designer?

Fashion designing, which is mostly to do with garments, has several segments. Every fashion designer must possess individual creative abilities which will reflect the person’s philosophy and thoughts and become his signature designs.

A designer must know how to play with unique designs, textures, fabrics and colours, so that the outcome will always be a visual treat for the clients. Bright and seasonal colours always give a new flavour to the attire one is wearing.

Q How is fashion designing different from costume designing?

Costume designing is customised and depends on what a film or play sequence demands. But when it comes to fashion designing, the designer enjoys the liberty to create whatever he/she wishes. However he must consider factors such as meeting deadlines, upcoming occasions, or will the cloth compliment with the season, among other things.

Q What makes you passionate about this fashion industry?

I belong from a creative background. Thus I have received exposure to lots of ideas and have been fortunate enough to interact with many different craftsmen and artists. Thus creativity has shaped my childhood and inspiration and developed my passion for fashion designing. Gradually it also turned out to be a great option of business viability and a lucrative way of earning money. Fashion designing has always been my calling.

Q You have grown up witnessing the various challenges your parents had to face to establish themselves in the fashion industry. What is the driving force that makes you want to stick to it?

Actually, it is the appreciation that I receive from my clients which keeps me going. Their encouragement towards my creative experiments, have provided me the support. The trust, people have for the brand, is actually the driving force behind all my hard work.

Q Do you like following any particular trend in the fashion industry?

I have always been an experimental fashion designer. I always like to try out new things and never follow any rules like a mainstream designer. One can call me an unorthodox designer. I take every freedom to put my creative soul into my designs and work.

Q Who are some of your favourite designers and stylists?

In the Indian industry, I would say that the entire fashion world particularly for men’s fashion, follow our trend. Whatever we created since 1991 had redefined the entire canvas of men’s wear.

However, in women’s line, Ritu Kumar has set the trend for women’s wear. Brand Sharbari also has been the pathfinder of men’s wear.

Q How do you stay up-to-date with today’s fashion?

As I said, we don’t follow any societal or market trend. Rather we bring different twist and turn in the tastes of the market. So we, the Brand Sharbari, have become the trend-setter.

Q What are the skills that a fashion designer must possess?

First of all, one must have the eye that seeks creativity in everything. He/she should be able to create something unique and beautiful from whatever raw materials are available. Real creative designers don’t have to worry for market or clients. He/she must concentrate in creating wholeheartedly. That way the designer should set their own trend and allow the clients to fit into it. A designer is not a commercial entity that he/she should think about the market always, because this will dilute his/her originality which will be lost in money matters. Real designers’ works reflect their unique perspectives of the society.

Q What do you have to say regarding the western influence in Indian fashion?

Today’s fashion has not really gone westernised. Rather, in the past 20 years, Indian traditional style has had a strong comeback. However, many people prefer western outfits, because of its comfort factor. Also, it has a more formal appeal than ethnic wear in office spaces.

Q What new collection can the clients expect in this year’s Durga Puja?

Yes, I am creating a new collection for the Pujas. But I generally work post Puja, during the wedding season. In December this year, I will be launching a new shirt collection for my clients.

Q Any fashion tips for the youth on this Puja?

The new generation must come up with new designs and innovation. Many of them are blessed with beautiful body structures, and so, I should say that with the right clothing, they must flaunt their beautiful figure without any hesitation.