Preferring Goa over Delhi, designer Malini Ramani opens up to Kritika Dua regarding her administration for tribal elements and her travel-friendly and comfortable collection.

Designer Malini Ramani has come a long way from her dramatic debut in 2000 on the Indian fashion scene with her Rockstar meets Indian Princess collection to being synonymous with new-age tribal wear. Dip-dyed drapes, tribal influences, regal capes, sequins, mirror work on black outfits and an abundance of gold were the standout elements of her latest collection, The High Priestess, inspired by the meandering course of a woman’s journey. One of the striking looks was a model sporting the horns of a ram on her head, which reminded us of Maleficent. Talking about the same, Ramani revealed, “An American hair stylist friend visited me a month back. She came over to my office and saw my mood board with The High Priestess looks. After which she designed the headgear all by herself and went back and said, ‘I have a surprise for you. I am making something for your show and will send it to you soon’. And it arrived two days before the show, I had no idea what it will be like but found it super wild which really worked out for the show. It was a powerful headgear, enchanting and magical just  like the high priestess.”

She informed us that it was a conscious call to fuse the tribal elements. “My brand, my look, and style are actually quite tribal, gypsy and nomadic. So, that’s just my style and how I dress which reflected in what I wanted to do with this collection.” The designer divulged details about the colour palette, an interplay of brown, white and blue in the first segment and play of black and white along with mirror work in the second segment. “I had actually tried to experiment with various colours. My mood board had myriad hues. I love black and white and I am wearing these shades right now too. I also love tie-dye, browns and muted colours. Even if I make a plan to do something else, the sheer love for it keeps dragging me back to that.”

Ramani’s fascination with kaftan silhouette dates long back. “I think kaftans are chic, elegant and sophisticated piece of clothing. It can be worn by any age group, my mother and I both wear the kaftan. Africans, Moroccans, French — every nation wears the kaftan. It can be worn during the day or at night, can be casual or dressy, one can go to a wedding in it or go to sleep wearing it. It’s flexible, loose, flowy and sexy at the same time. I just like it.” She believes that her latest collection is travel-friendly. “You can pack all these items in a suitcase and none of them will get crushed. You can wear all of them while travelling. You can put on a cape if you are feeling cold in a plane or wear jumpsuits and dress it up in the evening or even wear these outfits for lunch or dinner.  The one-piece saris are a great choice especially for destination weddings.” Although these one-piece saris were presented in black and white for the Amazon AW’18 collection, the buyers can opt from an array of colour options. She added that while she is travelling, she comes across certain people, even at airports which at times inspires elements in her creations.

Recalling her time spent in Delhi, Ramani said, “I have lived here for most of my life, even though I did not plan that. Currently, I am here on a visa as I live in New York mostly. Delhi was much more fun and empty with hardly any traffic earlier. I was younger and all over the place. Now my fond memories are related to the people that I know and the experiences I had with them. I have completed 18 years in the fashion business. I have many good memories related to that too.” When asked about her favourite hangout spots in the city, she quipped, “My house! As you get older, it’s not about hanging out at certain places and more about the people you are hanging out with and mood you are in. I have created my own cocoon where I like to be in and that’s actually my house.”

When asked how has this influenced her worldview and fashion sensibilities. Ramani replied, “I see women on the streets still dressed in saris, anywhere I go around there are colours. The city is not on top of my inspiration list, that is New York as I visit it a lot. I am born there and live there. When you look around, you are assaulted with distinct styles, colours, madness and creativity on every corner.”

She is not interested in partying now and has a valid reason for it —  she has grown up. Ramani also spoke about her studio in Goa. “The business is quite seasonal and only for three months it is good. I prefer Goa over Delhi as it has clean, pleasant weather, fresh air, relaxed and laid-back attitude. Everyone is in a cheerful mood there. It’s easy to get to places and there is no pollution.” On what keeps her going, she said, “It’s creativity and passion. I am passionate about several things — yoga, food, my work and my dog. I am on a spiritual journey and that’s what keeps me going. Also, to see new things and go on adventures. I love sharing and giving, inspiring people and being inspired.”

On her forthcoming projects, “I am working on Yogalini, my kundalini yoga line. I am going to Dubai soon for an exhibition and many trunk shows and pop-ups are in line which I do once a year. So, I am packed with that.”

Writer: Kritika Dua

Courtesy: The Pioneer

Preferring Goa over Delhi, designer Malini Ramani opens up to Kritika Dua regarding her administration for tribal elements and her travel-friendly and comfortable collection.

Designer Malini Ramani has come a long way from her dramatic debut in 2000 on the Indian fashion scene with her Rockstar meets Indian Princess collection to being synonymous with new-age tribal wear. Dip-dyed drapes, tribal influences, regal capes, sequins, mirror work on black outfits and an abundance of gold were the standout elements of her latest collection, The High Priestess, inspired by the meandering course of a woman’s journey. One of the striking looks was a model sporting the horns of a ram on her head, which reminded us of Maleficent. Talking about the same, Ramani revealed, “An American hair stylist friend visited me a month back. She came over to my office and saw my mood board with The High Priestess looks. After which she designed the headgear all by herself and went back and said, ‘I have a surprise for you. I am making something for your show and will send it to you soon’. And it arrived two days before the show, I had no idea what it will be like but found it super wild which really worked out for the show. It was a powerful headgear, enchanting and magical just  like the high priestess.”

She informed us that it was a conscious call to fuse the tribal elements. “My brand, my look, and style are actually quite tribal, gypsy and nomadic. So, that’s just my style and how I dress which reflected in what I wanted to do with this collection.” The designer divulged details about the colour palette, an interplay of brown, white and blue in the first segment and play of black and white along with mirror work in the second segment. “I had actually tried to experiment with various colours. My mood board had myriad hues. I love black and white and I am wearing these shades right now too. I also love tie-dye, browns and muted colours. Even if I make a plan to do something else, the sheer love for it keeps dragging me back to that.”

Ramani’s fascination with kaftan silhouette dates long back. “I think kaftans are chic, elegant and sophisticated piece of clothing. It can be worn by any age group, my mother and I both wear the kaftan. Africans, Moroccans, French — every nation wears the kaftan. It can be worn during the day or at night, can be casual or dressy, one can go to a wedding in it or go to sleep wearing it. It’s flexible, loose, flowy and sexy at the same time. I just like it.” She believes that her latest collection is travel-friendly. “You can pack all these items in a suitcase and none of them will get crushed. You can wear all of them while travelling. You can put on a cape if you are feeling cold in a plane or wear jumpsuits and dress it up in the evening or even wear these outfits for lunch or dinner.  The one-piece saris are a great choice especially for destination weddings.” Although these one-piece saris were presented in black and white for the Amazon AW’18 collection, the buyers can opt from an array of colour options. She added that while she is travelling, she comes across certain people, even at airports which at times inspires elements in her creations.

Recalling her time spent in Delhi, Ramani said, “I have lived here for most of my life, even though I did not plan that. Currently, I am here on a visa as I live in New York mostly. Delhi was much more fun and empty with hardly any traffic earlier. I was younger and all over the place. Now my fond memories are related to the people that I know and the experiences I had with them. I have completed 18 years in the fashion business. I have many good memories related to that too.” When asked about her favourite hangout spots in the city, she quipped, “My house! As you get older, it’s not about hanging out at certain places and more about the people you are hanging out with and mood you are in. I have created my own cocoon where I like to be in and that’s actually my house.”

When asked how has this influenced her worldview and fashion sensibilities. Ramani replied, “I see women on the streets still dressed in saris, anywhere I go around there are colours. The city is not on top of my inspiration list, that is New York as I visit it a lot. I am born there and live there. When you look around, you are assaulted with distinct styles, colours, madness and creativity on every corner.”

She is not interested in partying now and has a valid reason for it —  she has grown up. Ramani also spoke about her studio in Goa. “The business is quite seasonal and only for three months it is good. I prefer Goa over Delhi as it has clean, pleasant weather, fresh air, relaxed and laid-back attitude. Everyone is in a cheerful mood there. It’s easy to get to places and there is no pollution.” On what keeps her going, she said, “It’s creativity and passion. I am passionate about several things — yoga, food, my work and my dog. I am on a spiritual journey and that’s what keeps me going. Also, to see new things and go on adventures. I love sharing and giving, inspiring people and being inspired.”

On her forthcoming projects, “I am working on Yogalini, my kundalini yoga line. I am going to Dubai soon for an exhibition and many trunk shows and pop-ups are in line which I do once a year. So, I am packed with that.”

Writer: Kritika Dua

Courtesy: The Pioneer