Fashion designer Manish Arora aims to spread the message of love, happiness and hope for a brighter future by subtly embedding his collections with elements of the rainbow signifying a celebration of the idea of ‘Life is Beautiful’ and ‘Love is Love.’ By Ayushi Sharma

• What is the collection about?

Based on theme ‘Love is Love’ and the Chinese character ‘Tuzki’ (an illustrated bunny character), the collection has some of our classic archival pieces which we are sharing with an online shopping site. We are also celebrating one year of decriminalising of Section 377 by making it a unisex collection. It is a huge step for an Indian e-tailer to come up with clothes which are meant for everybody. Tuzki is such a fascinating character. While its homeland is China, it’s immensely popular all across the world. I am a fan myself and knew about it even before the collaboration happened. What I loved about Tuzki is that it gives people, especially millennials, the opportunity to express themselves without any language barrier. As a part of my Fall-Winter collection at Paris Fashion Week 2018, Tuzki was the inspiration for a special line of accessories and apparel, Orange is the new Zen. Incorporating its ability to communicate a story universally blended well with my vision for the collection. In fact, I am ecstatic to see the response from the international market and cannot wait for Indians to enjoy the accessories and apparel. Therefore, when the idea of collaboration came up, I was quite excited given my love for the character. The collection is a mix of eclectic pieces that consist of denims, t-shirts, dresses, jackets, active wear and accessories.

In collaboration with Koovs, we intend to target the young audience, who look for bold colours, quirky elements, fun and versatility. And the ones who aspire to have a Manish Arora outfit but are not able to. Although my brand has its reach among the younger generation, the category is niche and we do not manage to reach everybody. Online shopping websites have a much wider reach. Therefore, the goal is to achieve as many followers as possible.

• How would you define the idea of unisex wear?

Gender fluid clothes are the biggest trend this year and I think, the trend will remain popular for the longest time. Standing out from the crowd and not being shy of what and how you want to represent yourself is the new trend for both men as well as women. With changing times, fashion is becoming unisex. Women are more confident to wear their partner’s clothes even while heading out. In fact, they feel bold and fearless as these look sporty. I feel clothes aren’t defined by gender, rather they are to be worn by people. Today, even men don’t shy away from wearing colorful, bold prints, which was not the case in the past. We are trying to explore the same.

• What is that inclination that you have towards the psychedelic colour palette?

The Manish Arora aesthetic revolves around colour and nothing else, which is one of the main reasons we have come together — to have my style adapted to their collaboration. The psychedelic colour palette defines me. The collection have a potpourri of bright, shiny-pop colours such as neons, pink, gold, blue, orange, yellow, black, white, red any many more.

• Fashion consciousness is increasingly acknowledged by the Indian population, how do you think this change has come about?

Today’s Indian consumer is fashion conscious owing to globalisation and the awareness that comes with it. The strength and reach of digital media has now empowered a world that is truly connected — through and through, which offers an influential platform to the happenings around the world. It has now become easier to connect to a wider range of audience where they can see — launches, fashion shows and trend reports and make their choices for themselves — in real time. The presence of celebrities and fashion influencers is another aspect that adds to an increased sense of awareness, as they have the ability to impact various minds collectively.

• Indians are increasingly becoming comfortable of global trends, styling and silhouettes. The definition of informal wear has undergone a change. How have you hacked this change in your works?

I always think of comfort when designing ready-to-wear silhouettes and thus have always expressed that one should feel comfortable and not restricted in the garments one is wearing. Ease of wear fused with functionality is what ensures that your designs are well-received. India, as a market, is no different from any international one. Indians are equally aware, tasteful and are well-travelled with an eye for fashion. In fact, a part of my Fall-Winter 19 collection features athleisure — sweatshirts, bombers and track pants with intricate embroideries and hand applique that can be worn all day from morning to evening. And what could be more relaxing yet fashionable?

• Fashion designers have to keep abreast of changes with every season. How do you keep yourself updated and handle the pressure? What keeps you going?

All designers have their own unique aesthetic that they communicate through their designs and these eventually become trends. Seeking inspiration from my travels across the globe, I am a keen observer of everything around me — nature, landscapes and people. Whatever I do, I design with an objective to make people happy and give them a chance to see that life is truly beautiful and that it should be embraced every day.

• What is the biggest thing that you stand for and support as designers?

For those who know me, spreading love, happiness and joy with my designs is my translation of art and supporting individualistic fashion has been my motto. Love is the most beautiful emotion for me and I believe that everyone is unique and should be confident in what they wear, irrespective of what the world around you is doing.