Fashion business isn't an easy job says, Priya Vasudevan

Would you name a few of the latest designers that your store Collage has brought in this season, for the city’s fashion lovers?
Collage encourages a wide range of designers. Some of our latest designs are from Divya Mehta and even Joseph Ribpkoff, a Canadian designer.

Talking about designers, do young Bangaloreans shop at your store?
I mostly deal with women who have crossed their mid-twenties. I know exactly what they are looking for. However, if you’re talking about shoppers younger than that, they are rare at the store.

What are some of the most common buys in the Indian market?
The Indian market, especially in cosmopolitan Bangalore is very vast and diverse. There is a huge crowd out there, who look for ethnic wear such as authentic saris and unique designs in churidaars, salwars and kurtas. However, there is an equal number of customers, who go in for western clothes such skirts, trousers, blouses, etc.

Would you name some of the upcoming designers to look out for in Bangalore?
Personally, I would suggest each one of Collage’s designers, as they all bring out perfectly fabulous creations. Some of the designers to watch out for are  Pashma, Rahul Mishra, Krishna Mehta, etc.

What do you think is the difference in price for an altered design and a perfectly fitting one?
Most of our customers often need alteration, so we generally accommodate that into the regular price tag. There are no added charges, except a very minimal amount, if the garment has been bought from a sale.

How do you face the various challenges of knowing what’s best in fashion and remaining on top of the business?
The clients are always unique in their fashion tastes and have very wide ranging demands. It is a huge challenge to stay in tune with all the corners of a city, but I manage!

What is something you would like to suggest to the shoppers in Bangalore?
Bangalore is one of India’s most fashionable cities; however, I would like to see more comfortable clothes to fit in, with our climate. These are clothes women often shrug away due to the common belief that fabric and volume would add to their weight. But if worn right, these could flatter a lot of women!     

 — Soumya John