Monisha Jaising's guidelines for budding designers

Gulf Today Report

Monisha Jaising is considered one of the pioneers of Indian fashion. She launched her eponymous label through the multi-brand retail store, Ensemble in/around 1990. She is one of India’s first and foremost fashion designers, and was also one of the first to exhibit and retail through Ensemble.

"To sustain a brand for many years is tough," says the veteran fashion designer.

Her advice to the younger designers: "Please stick to your style and make it your identity to have a successful and sustained career."

“My creations do not need much accessorising at all. I love bling, shine and shimmer. Even a monochrome gown will have an accent of shine to it through way of an interesting hand embellishment. My audience relates to my signature style the most.”

Jaising feels Shweta Bachchan Nanda is the best dressed person of Bollywood though she’s not a Bollywood actor but belongs to the family.

“Sustainability is not just limited to fashion. It is an urgent requirement in daily lives, in lifestyle! At all our factories and workshops, we have completely stopped the usage of plastic. We consciously use paper for everything to do with the supply chain of the product at every step. From pattern cutting materials to a shopping bag we only use paper,” she added.

A screengrab of some of her work shared on her Instagram. 

Jaising said, “Consumers should make responsible decisions at the time of shopping. Invest in pieces that you can repeat all the time or pass it on to your daughters.”

“It is definitely not easy to make a mark in fashion. Being in the creative industry, one has to constantly allow and accept criticism and appreciation every day. Even after being in the business for over 30 years, I am learning every day. It is only going to get more competitive.”

“The 2020 year are making waves, started with the Monisha Jaising twin sets trending at every destination wedding,” said the designer.