Hello Everyone.
The weekend is upon us again. Remember the blue dress I posted during the HP India campaign. I got a lot of emails regarding the dress. Today let me introduce the talented designer Nikita Varma.
I am wearing..
Dress : Nikita Varma [BUY HERE]
Shoes : Trendz (Picked it up during 60% season end sale for Rs. 700. The original cost was Rs.1899)
Accessories : Stilettos Diary Shop [BUY HERE]
Watch : Fastrack (Borrowed from my brother)
On my Nails : Elle 18
On my Lips : Coco Rouge Chanel, Shade 39
Finding our passion and following in the footsteps of what we love is something we all dream of doing. I am an IT Engineer, the cliche associated with "our kind" is we have very little interest in fashion and very seriously frustrated people on planet. Sounds very lame, but not all of it is true. All I want to say is, there is no demarcation, it doesn't matter what field you come for, if you have a passion, then pursue it. Life is too short to wonder. My dream was to do something in the field of fashion though I don't have any formal degree. What I know about fashion is self-taught through internet, international fashion blogs, watching shows. Journey is no bed of roses, I faced a lot of criticism, lack of support during the initial days I started the blog. I come from a stereotypical South Indian family who thinks fashion field is not for us. I did not listen to anyone and pursued my ambition, my dream and my passion. All I am trying to say is if you have a dream pursue it. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks. It is your life and make choices best for you.
The reason I told this long story is Nikita Varma came from a business background, but her passion for fashion drove her from corporate world to New York City to pursue fashion at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Besides her formal training at Parsons. She has apprenticed and worked with designers and brands like Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg, Luca Luca, Vera Wang, Bulgari and Donna Ricco.
Nikita branched out as an Independent designer, and launched her eponymous label ‘NIKITTA’, a high-end ready-to-wear contemporary designer label and ‘NIKITTA Prêt’ a diffusion line, in the year 2011. Her recent collection was showcased at the Bangalore Fashion Week, 2012.
Every NIKITTA creation embodies fashion and art in a harmonious combination and balance that brings forth modern and innovative designs that express the designer's sensibilities in her own unique language. The label emphasizes perfect fit and sizing, impeccable construction and finish of garments. It also experiments with different and new fabrications, construction techniques, draping and pattern constructions. The label strives to study different body shapes and bring forth designs that enhance the beauty and confidence of the wearer. NIKITTA endeavors to exemplify affordable luxury at its best.
I caught up with Nikita and she agreed to do an exclusive interview for Stilettos Diary. This is what she had to say.
1. From where do you get your inspiration, can you share how you interpret them into your lovely design?
For me designing is a natural process of expressing my creativity and what I am feeling at the moment. Inspirations appear in various forms like a visual or a thought, mood or an idea. Having said that, when designing I do keep in mind the season or the occasion I am designing for and my collections emerge from a combination of inspirations and the seasonal requirements in terms of the right fabrications, colors and cuts.
2. When you create something, what goes through your mind?
When designing, I am conscious that every design I create reflects my design sensibilities andaesthetics truly. I also create keeping in mind that my designs are not only unique in style but they are also wearable, and they can compliment a variety of body types. I place special focus on technical finesse, fit, quality andfinish of my creations.
3.In your earlier years, how did you decide that you eventually wanted to become a designer?
I grew up as an artist,and I always loved painting, sketching and creating my own designs andpatterns. The process of becoming a designer was a natural progression. I loved beautiful clothes and fashion and I took to designing and putting together my own wardrobe and I usually received a lot of appreciation for my personal style. I started designing for others on request as a hobby, and then went onto getting recognized for my designing talents at national and international platforms. This eventually led me to pursue designing as a serious profession and a passion I love.
4. How do you intend women to feelwhen wearing your labeled clothing?
I want women to feel beautiful, sexy, smart,confident and comfortable when wearing my label. My label strives to enhance the beauty of the wearer and increase their quotient of glamour and style.
5.What do you have to say to the next generation, particularly for thosehoping to follow in your footsteps? For anyone who wants to take up designing as a profession, I would advise them to be prepared for immense hardwork, focus, perseverance and a never give-up attitude. There are no shortcuts, and ones talent should be enhanced by pursuing proper technical and design courses at good fashion schools followed by apprenticeship under established designers to learn theropes and trade. But, as difficult as it sounds, Fashion is not all work and no play! All the toil will actually seem effortless and immensely enjoyable and fun if one has the passion and love for creating something new everyday.
For any queries on styling please feel free to contact me via Facebook, Twitter or drop me an email - stilettosdiary@gmail.com or leave a comment here. :)
