It is said that innovation leads to invention, and for Mumbai-based designer Hirika Jagani this is perhaps the thumb rule for creation. A graduate from London College of Fashion (UAL), Hirika, worked with British labels such as Burberry, Nicole Farhi and Vita Gottlieb, and later she trained under Indian designers Karishma Shahani and Neeta Lulla before establishing her own luxury label.
Hirika recently launched her Fall-Winter 2015 collection “Intricate Royalty”, inspired from Arabic art and architecture and spoke to Miss Junebug about her innovative line. A firm believer in the philosophy of “innovation is the only way to win,” she has designed 15 ensemble pieces comprising of crop tops, pencil pants, skirts and long dresses. She mentions, “It brings back modern silhouettes with detailed embroidery and the inspiration comes from the Arabic architecture. The colour palette is a mix of warm tones such as maroon, grey, peach and green accentuated with minimal embroidery. The silhouettes consist of flowy pleated skirts, palazzo, sheath and A-line dresses and fitted jackets.”
She adds, “Our collection has its roots set in both Indian as well as the global culture. It took us two months to put every element of this collection together. We have used an imported blend of viscose fabric along with different shades of organza and suede. We have used zari, zardosi and thread embroidery in our garments to add the touch of semi-ethnic embroidery that Indian audience can relate to.”
The label Hirika Jagani was founded in London, and the designer reveals that the brand swears by celebrating art as fashion. Hirika says, “Personally, hand-embroidery is something I love, and that always reflects in all my collections whether they are to be marketed internationally or domestically. We love to experiment with bold prints and embroidery. We are not a sustainable brand but we try to minimize the wastage by up cycling the leftovers from our every collection.”
When it comes to Hirika’s personal take on fashion, she quotes German designer Wolfgang Joop and says, “Fashion is about suspense, surprise and fantasy. It’s not about rules.” “Personally, if you ask me I believe in practical clothing like tights and top for the day and dresses for evening. For me matching shoes and bag with minimum make-up is a fashion funda that never fails,” she concludes.
~JB
