Dress for yourself, not for others: Designer Paromita Banerjee

Don’t follow the rules blindly, advises fashion designer Paromita Banerjee.

Tell us about your latest collection, Bengal Taant (Bengal Weaves)?
We always have collections that are dedicated to a particular occasion or events like wedding or parties. According to me every day is an occasion and my collection is for those people who love to wear Indian clothes to work, party or even at a wedding. I have used natural fabrics like khadi, cotton, matka, silk and set them with placement embroidery that are a mix of leaf foliage and motifs from a herbarium. The collection fuses ethnic-contemporary influences created with stylish elegance and emphasises the feel of the hand-made. It consists of tunics, salwar suits, kurtas and the colour palette ranges from browns, blacks to reds.

What was the inspiration behind this collection?
Usually, I don’t have a story board before I start work on my new collection. My series is an extension of the normal day-to-day life of what people wear. However, Kolkata has always been a big inspiration. For instance, I have used a shade of vermillion red, the women in Kolkata use. Even villagers across the State have become a inspiration for my collection. They have this concept of layering different costumes and making it as one. In fact, I like it when people buy single pieces and mix and match them.
 
A lot of people complain that natural fabrics have become expensive today. What is your take on that?
If you are opting for something natural and organic, the price factor should be avoided. I only use natural fabrics in my collection and it is rather depressing to see such techniques dying. Our country is a proud producer of such techniques; we need to take responsibility and promote them.

How was your experience in Lakmé Fashion Week?
It’s my seventh edition in the LFW, and I must say that it was an enriching experience. I always learn something new whenever I head to the fashion week and this time was no exception. We also learn from mistakes we might make. This time I am quite glad by the response we had from both critics and audience.

Do you think the current generation is  too influenced by western cultures?
I think everyone is vastly influenced by the western culture. But remember, there is no fall/winter season in India at all. You won’t see people here dress up in thick jackets or sporting woollens. Our body type and climate is different from theirs. It is important to keep updating the trends, but one shouldn’t ape what they are doing. Though it’s an old fashion tip, a lot of people fail to wear what they are comfortable in. Squeezing into a garment that is not comfortable makes no sense. It is good to take suggestions from people but remember to dress up for yourselves, and not for others.

(Paromita’s collection is currently being showcased at Collage on Wood Street)