Interviews with Megha Garg

I graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata, India in 2010 specializing in Fashion Design. To further enhance my skills I graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design,London in 2011 completing a year course in Graduate Diploma in Fashion.

I had always been fascinated with the changing trends in the fashion industry. Being naturally bent towards art, choosing fashion as a career came as a life goal and destiny.

I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. Choosing to be a designer was a wise decision considering my choices and skills for draping fabrics and designing.

Being into fashion my natural flow is towards garments. What I love most is draping garments. Playing with different fabrics and putting together colors and textures to form a garment which solves a purpose is the best meditation process for me.

I enjoy making personalized formal gowns as that is my forte. The idea of catering to a client’s taste and purpose is both challenging and enriching. The immediate feedback not only helps in growing as a designer but also keeps me aware of the market requirements.

Follow your heart and never give up. If your know your calling in your life then always follow the path and never stop believing in yourself no matter how difficult the path gets. Keep making new things and promote yourself. If you wont, who else will. Talk about your work and keep the financial perspective sorted. One cannot move ahead without a financial plan. Be artistic and explore however don’t ignore that the world moves on certain practical and realistic rules. Master the rules and succeed in your filed. Just believe and it will happen.

A good designer thinks of the present but a great designer thinks ahead.

First is aesthetics. No one would touch a design if it does not look good. Next is purpose. If it does not solve a purpose its of no use. Every good design must fulfill these two requirements primarily.

A good design always adds value in life by either solving a purpose or enhancing sensory experience through its visual appeal. Anything that adds value in life is a good investment.

With all humility, I would love to design a formal gown for Mrs. Michele Obama when she becomes the next President of the United States of America. It would be a perfect red gown to complement her aura and thoughts.

I am extremely fascinated with couture garments and thats what I want to work with in the future. With enough time I would want to start the project of making intricately textured, hand finished gowns for the red carpet.

Follow your heart. Thats the only secret. I make what appeals to me the most.

I have been a big fan of Hussein Chalayan. I was fortunate to receive my graduation event at the same event where he was being facilitated with a honorary doctorate by Central Saint Martin's. I also admire Elie Saab and Givenchy.

I have always loved all the works by Hussein Chalayan. His work is so thoughtful and way ahead of time that it inspires me to push my limits.

I had developed a texture for my company in 2014 by hand filling sequins into between tubes of quilted fabric. It turned out to be separate fabric in itself which was used in sections of garments as embellishment. That is still the most beautiful work and Its great because of the technique and the finish while giving it a sculpted look.

Keep absorbing. Look at more designs, be updated with whats happening around in your own field, practice your skill, ponder and deliver. All this as a part of routine everyday. Persevere and never stop believing in your work.

I would be a poet or an author. I love writing poems and penning my thoughts. Maybe, I land up writing a book in the future.

Anything, which inspires you and serves a purpose in an aesthetically appealing way, is a design. Starting from the idea to the final product, everything, which fits the definition, is design.

My mother. She was beside me in every endeavor like a rock. Whatever I have achieved is because of her.

Persistence and perfection. Persisting on perfecting a particular design while keeping the business peerspective in place.

The major obstacle any designer faces is I feel about finances. How to keep the money rolling to be able to continue doing what one wants to do. So once that become comfortable a sense of freedom was achieved to abe able to design whats in my heart.

Each one has their own unique way of presenting their work which is their personal style. I feel one should always maintain their style so that people can recognize their work even without mentioning it. This is an important perspective in branding too. The only things important is to give the right information and be professional , like using clear language and crisp images, focus on display and packaging. The most important is to make it simple for the audience to understand their work.

I am working on an extension of the Urban Army collection, which will include different textures, prints and colors, plays on the similar silhouettes.

To reach out to as many people across the world through my designs.

Keep delivering great designs.

A designer can take the society forward in many ways through the ideas, which one conveys through design. Many ideas of sustainability, zero wastage, low maintenance and functionality are imposed through design which have a very big role in how the society progresses.

Currently I am focussing on some textures which are turning out to be really good.

My favourite design is a formal dress which I have named as the soul series. These series of dresses made in knee length spandex bodice, with flat silk chiffon rectangular panels draped at strategic areas to form a full formal gown was a huge success for the Indian body type. These are still versatile and make the wearer feel good which is a very important aspect in my work.

I feel the organic reach of any work is dying due to the growing PR campaigns. Good work should be recognized even without paying for it. I hope this can change in the future.

The most dramatic change is the conscience towards the environment. I feel that each artist or designer is focusing on how can they contribute to a bigger picture of solving problems through design. They are more aware of people’s need and desires. It’s moving towards a more problem solving from an eccentric point of view.

There are times that one thought is so strong that the project is finalized instantly. However, so projects can take months before they are actually taken up.

I start with words. Whatever is in my mind, I pen it down in the form of just words, or lines mostly poems. Then I do a visual research, which feels the same as what I feel with the words. Taking all that I start draping with appropriate fabrics. Lastly, I design all the final sketches or sometimes just realize the garment on the dress form.

Keep designing every single day. One design per day.

It starts with designs and trends follow.

Technology makes life easier so is the case with design. At every stage technology plays a big factor to determine the finish of a product.

The most important tools I always have is a scissor and draping pins as Draping of ideas is the most important. The other important software is adobe photoshop which primary in realizing designs.

Its everything. No design can ever be started without the use of any one of these.

'What is the main idea behind it?'

Each design I make comes from a deep thought which I would love to explain.

I am glad that people are doing great work and the entire industry is moving ahead.

I am mostly comfortable with my own space and have never really thought of a design partner.

Creative individuals apart from fashion industry. They always provide a fresh perspective of looking at things and their curiosity for design is often inspiring to create new work.

I have been reading 'The Secret' which has helped me in giving confidence to visualize my ideas for designs.

I have been practicing on a daily basis brushing up draping and cutting fabrics. I also look up designs to be updated with whats happening around me. This really helped in mastering my skills.

I would love to meet Albert Einstein to have a long chat about theories of life and universe. This is my biggest curiosity.

I still don't feel I am famous. I always focus on delivering good work and the rest can follow.

Color-Black

Place-London

Food-Japanese cuisine

Season-Winter

Thing-Notebook

Brand-Apple

The ability to be able to follow my passion keeps me at a high at all times. I look forward to each day where I can spend time at my design studio doing what I love to do.

I was always artistically precise and wanted to do something creative. I am not sure about great but people around me knew I would be good at my creative endeavors.

I hope that world becomes a simpler and a better place to live. Though it seems quite difficult looking at the current scenario. But we cam always be hopeful.

I would like to share a poem, which inspired me to make a fashion film and a collection. The film was considered as one of the top 8 fashion films of 2014.

The Warrior Soul

Walking strong in the dark ,

Waking up to a stark ,

Leading the way despite the path ,

Is The Warrior Soul.

Open arms to witness the strong ,

Standing tall to correct the wrong ,

Fighting hard despite being warm ,

Is The Warrior Soul.

In our daily life ,

Look close with our sight ,

Found someone guarding us right?

That is The Warrior Soul.

Respect! Honour! Salute their might ,

To them we owe our nights ,

For the peace in our lives ,

Has fought The Warrior Soul.

-MEGHA GARG

I graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata, India in 2010 specializing in Fashion Design. To further enhance my skills I graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design,London in 2011 completing a year course in Graduate Diploma in Fashion.I had always been fascinated with the changing trends in the fashion industry. Being naturally bent towards art, choosing fashion as a career came as a life goal and destiny. I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. Choosing to be a designer was a wise decision considering my choices and skills for draping fabrics and designing.

My design studio is located in the fashion hubs of culturally ricjh centre of India, Kolkata. It’s a small space curated by me where production, client dealing and back office work all are done under one roof. Keeping distance small and ideas to flow freely in vertical and horizontal order.

Anything, which inspires you and serves a purpose in an aesthetically appealing way, is a design. Starting from the idea to the final product, everything, which fits the definition, is design.

Being into fashion my natural flow is towards garments. What I love most is draping garments. Playing with different fabrics and putting together colors and textures to form a garment which solves a purpose is the best meditation process for me.

My favourite design is a formal dress which I have named as the soul series. These series of dresses made in knee length spandex bodice, with flat silk chiffon rectangular panels draped at strategic areas to form a full formal gown was a huge success for the Indian body type. These are still versatile and make the wearer feel good which is a very important aspect in my work.

I designed a range of digitally printed dresses in organza teamed with lycra inners for Lakme Fashion Week, India in 2012. The collection was called Aura which was an extension of the graduating collection from Central Saint Martin’s, London and received great success at the show.

My favourite way to work is on a dress form with free flowing fabrics like chiffons, silks and satins.

When I am completely relaxed and have had any inspiring encounter, which can be a book, travel or movie.

Functionality and aesthetics is the key. Colour balancing also is very important, as I love working with solid colours.

Design is like mediation. I feel I reach out to my innermost self and liberate my energies through design. It’s a peaceful feeling.

I have always felt that I can do more when every design is realized. Even before the completion of a design the quest for a new one begins.

The ability to solve a purpose and be comfortable. Everything comes down to these two factors.

First is aesthetics. No one would touch a design if it does not look good. Next is purpose. If it does not solve a purpose its of no use.

A designer can take the society forward in many ways through the ideas, which one conveys through design. Many ideas of sustainability, zero wastage, low maintenance and functionality are imposed through design which have a very big role in how the society progresses.

The most dramatic change is the conscience towards the environment. I feel that each artist or designer is focusing on how can they contribute to a bigger picture of solving problems through design. They are more aware of people’s need and desires. It’s moving towards a more problem solving from an eccentric point of view.

My last exhibition was in my city Kolkata. A fashion and accessory fair in the name of Cherry Orchard. I intend to hold the next one Mumbai, India.

I am a visual and poetic person. What I see around me or the visuals I create in my mind after reading something, usually inspires me. So exploring new places, watching documentaries, reading travel journals, movies, activities of daily life all become a source for me collectively. Most of the times I convert all these experiences into poems and take inspiration from those lines to create a collection.

My style is free flowing and based more on the dress form rather than patterns. I love the idea how a fabric can mould in infinite ways around a body. Every time I drape a fabric on the dress form a new mould is made. And that really excites me. I also love exploring techniques, which are exclusive to our company for textures and embellishment. I have explored a new technique of filling sequins between 2 layers of quilted fabric , which has resulted in making beautiful armour like patterns to be used as embellishment.

I have always lived in India, which is culturally very rich. There is a lot of play with colours and textures with layering of fabrics. However, my design sensibilities are limited to colours when choosing to be inspired. My work is more simple and linear when compared to our heritage. I do involve the aesthetics in my work and try to serve the growing demand of the Indian market.The best part about designing in India is the realization. The cost of labor is low and the trial and error of many techniques is possible. The only drawback is the high quality finish and the limiting use of certain fabrics owning to the tropical climate.

We maintain our brand with all the companies we work with. Our products are promoted and sold under our brands in all the companies. We maintain exclusive rights over our products.

It is best to know your customer. Each company caters to a different set of customers and to understand their requirement is the key. Getting designers onboard who meet those needs is the best way to move forward. It is difficult to enforce ideas to a clientele, which does follow the same philosophy.

I start with words. Whatever is in my mind, I pen it down in the form of just words, or lines mostly poems. Then I do a visual research, which feels the same as what I feel with the words. Taking all that I start draping with appropriate fabrics. Lastly, I design all the final sketches or sometimes just realize the garment on the dress form.

A recent artwork by my 2 year old daughter Aarya(Spalsh of colours)A metallic neckpiece made for myself from the previous collection.A candle stand in a wooden box filled with mud and plants.A multicolored painting of Lord Ganesha’s face(Hindu God) A moulded leather bag bought from an independent artist.

My day starts with a hustle to mamage my 2-year-old daughter. I drop her to school and reach work where most of the official work and guidelines of the day is given, which is for 2.5 hours. Then I pick up daughter from school and spend good 1 hour with her for lunch and play. Late afternoon is either for client meetings at the design studio or designing from home. Evenings are home time while nights are usually spent finishing off all online work and content creation. Late nights are usually for getting inspiration and ideas for the next day.

Follow your heart and never give up. If your know your calling in your life then always follow the path and never stop believing in yourself no matter how difficult the path gets. Keep making new things and promote yourself. If you wont, who else will? Talk about your work and keep the financial perspective sorted. One cannot move ahead without a financial plan. Be artistic and explore however don’t ignore that the world moves on certain practical and realistic rules. Master the rules and succeed in your filed. Just believe and it will happen.

Personally, I do not judge my profession compared to other fields. I enjoy being a designer and always focus on how can I get better every time.

“How does it look and what is the purpose?” This is the only rule.

I believe that a designer must be acquired of each and every skill, which is needed in realizing the product to marketing it. So in my case, for garments, from stitching to promotions all the skills needed are essential. Most important are to be able to communicate ideas through any medium for realizing designs. And image editing software for marketing the designs well.

The most important tools I always have is a scissor and draping pins as Draping of ideas is the most important. The other important software is adobe photoshop which primary in realizing designs.

I never wait for the perfect place to sit and design. I design wherever and whenever there are ideas. To realize the designs and communicate them is done at proper time slots, which is done on an everyday basis.

Sometimes it takes 2 days but sometimes it can take up to a month to complete the design. It is very design oriented.

Mostly people are keen to know my journey and the challenges I had faced in choosing an unconventional career in a conservative environment.

I had worked as a merchandiser in a multi-designer store as my first job. It gave me a very good perspective on great designs by reputed designers of the country and the ways of marketing the designs. As a part of the back end team my sales communication became strong which is an experience I still carry with myself.

I mostly work with multi-designer stores like Aza, Elahe, Fuel and Evoluzione in India. I also have a lot of personal customers who love to get personalized outfits made from our design studio in Kolkata, India.

I enjoy making personalized formal gowns as that is my forte. The idea of catering to a client’s taste and purpose is both challenging and enriching. The immediate feedback not only helps in growing as a designer but also keeps me aware of the market requirements.

I have never planned anything in my journey. I always look to enjoy and make the most of whatever comes my way. As a team, we definitely are looking forward to showcase our work at esteem Fashion Week in India soon.

I always put across the initial idea, which is then further executed by my team. I then do the final corrections and quality checks.

I am working on an extension of the Urban Army collection, which will include different textures, prints and colors, plays on the similar silhouettes.

You can mail me at meghagargclothing@gmail.com or meghagarg06@gmail.com .

I would like to share a poem, which inspired me to make a fashion film and a collection. The film was considered as one of the top 8 fashion films of 2014.The Warrior SoulWalking strong in the dark Waking up to a stark Leading the way despite the path Is The Warrior SoulOpen arms to witness the strong Standing tall to correct the wrong Fighting hard despite being warm Is The Warrior SoulIn our daily life Look close with our sight Found someone guarding us right? That is The Warrior SoulRespect! Honour! Salute their might To them we owe our nights For the peace in our lives Has fought The Warrior Soul.-MEGHA GARG