Former Delhi-based designer Mandira Wirk is more of a Mumbaikar now with her shifting base and working heavily in India’s financial capital. Mandira says, “There is something about this city that keeps bringing me back. It’s the people, the energy, the food and I can keep going on. Both the cities have their own charm and aura but my inner voice just can’t stop bragging about this city. When it comes to nightlife, what sets it apart is: Mumbai people can party 24x7, they do not need a reason to party.”
She adds, “For me, both cities qualify as fashion capitals; I guess it’s the Bollywood factor that appeals to the Delhi designers. Besides that, both women and men in these cities are equally fashionable.”
The designer is also keen on working heavily in Bollywood. “I would not deny the financial benefits and the mileage one gets out of films, but above that Bollywood for me is a medium to bring forth my creativity. Films are very exciting and it’s challenging, getting into the nuances of characters, to be able to portray them in the right light through clothes,” she says.
Talking about how she gets inspired to create lines for every season and whether there is a constant inspiration in her life, Mandira says, “The only thing that is constant is change, and fashion is about change. However cliched it may sound but that’s my design philosophy. Each collection is a product of a different inspirations. It can be anything that catches my eye.”
The designer, who is also designing for the T20 World Cup, adds, “With every season I try to re-invent myself , that’s the way I see how one can survive in this industry. One has to be ‘one up’ in creativity to do something more interesting every time. The only thing constant in my collection are the prints, the structuring and the textures which get a fresh face every season with different inspirations.”
Though quite a hottie herself, Mandira abstains from show-stopping or being the face of her own line. She explains, “It’s your designs that speak for you and not your looks. A pretty face cannot get me orders. I think I am better off designing and making others look beautiful.”
