I’m a free spirit with a wandering eye always looking to grasp some inspiration from this beautiful world. For me, designing is less designing and more art. I consider a woman's body as a canvas and I love to paint on it.
RK : First of all thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for an interview. it’s a great pleasure to have you as our Guest. Let’s start from the first question… Let’s have a jump into the past. What was your dream since you were a kid? …what would you like to do?
Dhwaja Jain : Thank you for having me here on this lovely platform. Like everybody knows, when you are child you want to be a doctor an astronaut, actress, teacher etc. so i have had a share of such dreams myself, but my passion was always Art and Dance. Even as a child, Art and Craft was a very integral part of my day to day life, whether it's making gifts for a loved one or participating in a competition. I feel that has been ingrained into my being.
RK : When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?
Dhwaja Jain : I was always inclined towards designing even though I majored in banking and finance. Even when I was younger, a lot of my outfits for different occasions were designed by me. lets just say, it was always a passion of mine, but I considered it as a proper career option at the end of my college.
RK : What is most challenging about a career in fashion design?
Dhwaja Jain : I think as an industry, the fashion world is one that keeps you on your toes. You have to be presentable at every stage, from conception to the final product. As a designer you have to be creative not only when you illustrate your idea, but also in the production approach, to ensure that the final garment is close to the replica of the design. For the young designers like us , this is where we have to be up to the mark. Our core team is smaller and hence the responsibility to each person is much more.
RK : Your designs are very creative, where do you get the inspiration for your designs?
Dhwaja Jain : Inspiration is everywhere! For a creative mind , it's about how you look at something, absorb it, perceive it and turn it into a beautiful creation. For me, inspiration stems from the beauty of nature and the colours it presents, From the sakura season in japan to Aurora boraelis(Northern lights), all my collections so far are greatly inspired by the colour palette and beauty that nature throws at us.
RK : Out of all of your designs to date, what would you consider your personal favourite and why?
Dhwaja Jain : Now that is a difficult question. It’s very difficult to select your personal favourite, when every outfit is like your baby. There is a lot of love put into every piece and for me each one of them has a special place in my heart. But saying that, one of the crowd favourites would be the Powder Pink Lehenga Saree with a beautiful layered frill drape. I think the colour palette, the way the aqua blue accentuates the powder pink, and the very delicate hand embroidered sequins and beads, makes this piece stand out of any crowd. And to add to that, its contemporary silhouette is meant to enhance any and every woman's body.
RK : Today, Dhwaja Couture is a familiar name in fashion around the globe. Could you please tell us a bit about the evolution of the brand?
Dhwaja Jain : As a Label, "Dhwaja" turns 3 this year. It’s been a roller coaster of a journey. What started as a customized bridal label back in 2015, today, our collections retail at various stores within India and abroad both in physical stores as well as online platforms. As a brand we will take "Dhwaja" to a new height this year, venturing into the retail industry by launching our own pet label and our very own store. Our greatest strength is our loyal happy customers, who have supported us in every Endeavour and made this brand what it is today.
RK : In your own words, how would you describe the signature/classic Dhwaja style?
Dhwaja Jain : Elegance and simplicity play a major part in designing as a look for me, as I believe, it enhances femininity of a woman. Every garment designed by me has a modern twist in the form of a drape, cut or texture and embroidery. To sum it all, Elegance teamed with a hint of modern design elements make my trademark style.
RK : So let’s talk about your ‘Aurora’ Spring Summer Collection, which is stunning. What’s your top pick from the ‘Aurora’ collection?
Dhwaja Jain : Thanks for the lovely complement on the collection. To be honest, I'm truly in love with it myself, so to select a favourite would be very difficult. I have a couple of favourite silhouettes for this collection – We have introduced the quintessential saree in a new form with quirky drapes and modern cuts " The Pre-Draped Saree Gown", which looks stunning. I think every woman's wardrobe should have one. We have also designed beautiful cascading layered gowns inspired by the different colours of the Northern Lights - the ultimate Bridal fantasy. These were so beautiful that I couldn't bear the thought of not having one, so I went ahead and indulged in making a couple of these for myself.
RK : Can you name a celebrity look you’ve loved in your designs?
Dhwaja Jain : I think Kubra Sait in the beautiful lilac tulle gown looked absolutely stunning. Garima Jain looked gorgeous in our pre-draped saree gown. And our Ms. India Finalist Aradhana Nair, looked like a princess for her sangeet in the Grey Lehenga saree.
RK : Are you more intuitive or more analytical when you are designing?
Dhwaja Jain : I think I'm extremely intuitive. I’m a free spirit with a wandering eye always looking to grasp some inspiration from this beautiful world. For me, designing is less designing and more art. I consider a woman's body as a canvas and I love to paint on it.
RK : What skills according to you are necessary for a successful fashion designer?
Dhwaja Jain : The world is perceived differently by different people. To say you need a particular set of skills to be a fashion designer is something I don't agree with. The passion, the dedication, the hard work is what will drive success to your doorstep. I believe unleashing your creativity, without holding back, is the most vital aspect of being a designer.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to build one single stage for all the artists, because we believe that artists are the most beautiful creation of God and geographical boundary can never break their unity and harmony. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your followers
Dhwaja Jain : I am so glad that finally somebody is putting out a platform for creative minds to be recognized. It is a great initiative and I think I speak for all creative minds that platforms like Retro Kolkata, brings us closer, at the same time broadens our horizons, encompassing the whole world. It truly is a great initiative, and I am honoured to be speaking on this platform with you all. Thank you so much.
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