Don’t cut, copy, paste

It is amusing, at times, it is offensive. Other times, it's boring and annoying. Over the years, one question that has been tossed at Wendell Rodricks and Rahul Mishra the maximum times is about trends. Besides their reaction to the question, which is a half-hearted reply, they share a lot in common. Both are internationally acclaimed Indian designers. Both have worked ceaselessly for the benefit of weavers. Both will also have their creations displayed at an exhibition at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The only major difference is years of experience in the industry, Wendell has almost 25 and Rahul has eight. Sticking to their stand — don't let the clothes wear you — the two stalwarts tell us more on trends and their significance.

Fashion industry is, at times, merely reduced to 'what's in and what's out'. What is your take on trends?

Wendell: I don't follow trends. Most often I set them because my job is to make women look slimmer, taller and more beautiful. A trend does not addresses a woman's style. It addresses what is in fashion at the moment. I would rather keep the focus on developing a lady's style.

Rahul: Trends are either created by international designers or these emerge from the streets of Paris and Italy. Fashion designers take to them and present their interpretations. In that case, I strongly feel that Indian streets, too, have a lot to offer but the options are seldom explored. I don’t see the influence of the powerful Indian market on them.

Before you sit down to conceive the next collection, do you consider the international trends? Are you influenced by the international market or existing trends ?

Wendell: As I said, I don't follow trends. My influences for a season are an evolution from the last season’s clothes. I also listen to what the clients say, they change with the times, as do their needs. It is very important for me to listen to the interaction on the shop floor. I constantly ask my staff what are the preferred necklines, hemlines, garments…and then I build the styles and silhouettes to meet the needs of women and men.

Rahul: I don’t seek inspiration for my work from other designers, rather it comes from the societal changes occurring around the world. For example, sports activities were never this popular before, and thus a lot of my creations have elements of sportswear.

Suddenly designers are showing an increased interest in the benefit of weavers. Do you think the concern is genuine from all ends or it is a trend to talk about weavers and their livelihood?

Wendell: I regret that many designers and the public at large feel it is very a la mode to talk about weavers. The fact is that fashion designers use artisans for one season and then move on to other artisans. It is cruel to see the hope in a weaver or embroiderer's eyes and how disappointing it is for them when the next season there is no work.

Rahul: I agree that talking about weavers’ interest is in fashion. Only 30 per cent of the concern is genuine and 70 per cent is a marketing gimmick. The end is more important than the means. If talking about weavers’ employment helps raise awareness among people, I don’t mind every fashion designer doing it, the purpose though may vary.

— ASB