Designer Nitin Bal Chauhan recently collaborated with the students from Lisaa School of design and together they spun magic. We caught up with the designer to know about his association with the design school and the latest runway trends:
You are here as to showcase your upcoming line. How important is a design school according to you?
A good design school gives you a strong foundation to launch your career. Students from various colleges apply for industry internship under my label. For them it is a great way to learn and experience how the industry and in particular a design house functions. For me it is always a learning experience as a creative director to bring out the best in every student.
How have the students at Lisaa School of Design helped you in your designs?
I have involved the students in the process of designing hats/headgears. Both the technical and aesthetic aspects were taken into account. The best part of this accessorization exercise was that they had to design using mundane objects. This exercise also involves recycling as a core element and how everything can be used in multi-dimensional ways.
You have been invited to share designing tips with students of Lisaa School of Design- a French design school. So what designing tips should the students look out for?
My inputs are based around different aspects in design philosophy. How can a student get the best out of a design school? How can a student apply all that one learns in a school in real life. What are the industry expectations from fresh design graduates? How can a student learn to cope-up with pressure? For an all round development what are other things that they need to know? eg ….books they should read, magazines they should follow, art forms and movements to look out for, music and movies, how they influence design etc.
There are no short-cuts to design/art. My tips to the students revolve around design philosophy which puts everything in a clear perspective. Since design is the future one needs to take it much more seriously.
Lisaa 2.0 is also an exhibition of your work with the students as they explore the various facades of design found in our everyday lives. How has this experience been for you so far?
The experience has been rewarding so far. As a creative director I always look forward to working with fresh talent and bringing out the best in them. To make every individual understand your vision and directing them to produce work that is in coherence with your vision is challenging and a learning experience. The students are eager to learn and do not shy away from hard work.
Tell us more about your collection?
BHOOTSAVAAR is a funky, edgy and youthful brand. I am presenting two collections this time. First is all black & white and second is all about fluorescent colors. The shapes and fits are easy on the body as comfort and holiday were the key words. Inspired by EDM and designed for that circuit the collection is a treat to wear and watch under different lightings. Summer fabrics are the key in as light weight as possible. As usual there are details that make every piece special and unique.
Do you think Indian women are evolving in terms of style and fashion?
On one hand Indian women living in the metros have come a long way in terms of their style and fashion. On the other hand we had a strong culture of custom made clothing which has considerably gone down due to the emergence of bigger brands.
I think it is the emergence of the middle class who have a better purchasing power than before which has given them exposure and ability to shop more than the earlier generations.
The typical Indian hourglass figure doesn’t have too many takers. Do you think Indian designers need to start concentrating more on our curves than western figures?
Indian designers not only design for the domestic market but also for other markets around the world. They have already redefined the sari and created thousands of options in bridal-wear. You need to give them credit for the changing fashion scene in the country. It is up to them to also tell the world that India is at par. We cannot exist in isolation in today’s world especially with technology bridging the gap every day.
What are the latest trends every woman must follow?
The two biggest trends of the season are: Black & White and Fluorescent colors. One must have these colors in their wardrobes. Comfort in breathable fabrics is the key.
