With South Asian inspired collections, three designers are
getting noticed on fashion's world stage.
Meet Christine Philip, Payal Singhal and Savitha Bala.
 Christine Philip design
CHRISTINE PHILIP
Designer: Christine Philip, 24
Note: A pre-med student before switching to creative design.
To Buy: www.christinephilip.com
How do you incorporate your different cultures into your
designs?
I think my diverse ethnic background (Indian, German
and Portuguese) has allowed me to cater to everyone; all cultures, all
backgrounds, all races. My goal is to infuse elements of my heritage into the
forefront of Western couture. I design collections on a more modern and
contemporary side with just a hint of that Eastern flair so clients can
literally ‘wear’ fragments of our beautiful culture on an every day basis. I
love using India’s
rich, lavish fabrics known for their lush embroidery, unique embellishments,
vibrant colors and undeniably exotic flavor. I add elements from all parts of
the world.
Where do draw inspiration from?
One of my biggest inspirations is my family, specifically
my grandmother’s love for jewelry and my mother and my aunts’ love for fashion.
Not only are they my fashion icons, their timeless elegant style has had a
tremendous influence in my work. As a little girl, I can remember how stunning
and exquisite they looked at every relevant occasion because of how well-dressed
they were. Their clothes had delicate intricacies and were always custom-made;
they never wore anything mass produced because of the lack of cut. My mother
and my aunts were definitely ahead of their time, and I wanted to follow in
their footsteps!
What is your thinking process when you design?
There’s a lot that goes into my designs, but to make
a long statement short…It has to be the right color, the right cut and the
right material!
What made you do a total 180 and go from pre-med to Couture
design?
Designing is something I’ve always been passionate
about. I didn’t want any regrets so with a lot of hard work and sacrifice, I
followed my dream.
Where do you see your line heading for the rest of this year
and in years to come?
At the beginning, I relied solely on word of mouth
and loyal clientele. I’d like to see my
line expand to more retail outlets so I can make it more accessible to
everyone. I’d also like to eventually capture the global market in the near
future.
Who would you like to design for?
Past: Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O
Present: Queen Rania of Jordan and Nicole Kidman
One key style tip for women?
Go with your unique signature style that makes you stand out. When in
doubt, stick to the classics. Fine
jewelry always makes a statement.
How do you want people to feel when they wear your line?
Beautiful, lady-like, feminine, classy.
 Payal Singhal design
PAYAL SINGHAL
Designer: Payal Singhal, 29
Note: She was 15 when she won her first design award.
To Buy: www.payalsinghal.com or at Payal Singhal-Indomix Bride in New York,(212)614-1290
How often do you put together a collection?
I try to put out a new collection every two to
three months only because our customers like a quick turn around. Also, we do a very limited number of pieces
per style.
What is your latest collection about and how has the feedback been?
The latest collection has a lot of empire waste lines. With this
collection, we’ve been selling out a lot faster than we have pieces in the
showroom and that is a good sign!
Who do you keep in mind as your target market when you design?
Anyone who has a strong sense of style, someone who has an eclectic sense
of fashion. Someone who likes color and embroidery. I don’t want to limit it to
the South Asian community because there are people outside, people from all
cultural backgrounds that are drawn to our clothes. So as I said, anyone who
has a keen sense of fashion would be attracted to our clothes.
Do you ever consider wearing another designer's creation?
All the time! I’m always looking at what’s in the stores and what I
can buy. I wear a lot of my own clothes too. I have a good balance in my wardrobe.
Which Bollywood actress would you love to dress?
Sushmita Sen. She has a great body, personal style and height. Her personality
is cool, at the same time elegant, sophisticated and perky.
What do you see as future trends in regards to color and style?
In South Asian fashion and generally in the world
over, the international trends are inspired by India. Colors like coral and aqua,
lilacs. Just very colorful, pastel colors. In terms of silhouettes, it’s going
to be a merge. You can’t really tell whether its Indian-inspired or western-inspired
anymore, like tunics. What you see on an international runway is what you see
in South Asian markets and visa versa.
 Savitha Bala design
BALA
Designer: Savitha Bala, 32
Note: Lives bi-continentally, between California and India.
To Buy: pureconsultinginfo
(*Safia necklace available at Josephines in Chicago,
312-274-0359)
What is your design inspiration?
Travel and India are my two biggest inspirations.
When did you know you wanted to go into fashion design?
I have worked in other creative fields as well, and fashion is the one
occupation where I enjoy the entire process, from start to finish. My interest
doesn’t just lie in the conceptualization and creation of the garments, I like
all of it.
Who do you design for?
I design for women who like to express their individuality, free-thinking
women with a global aesthetic.
How do you incorporate your Eastern background into your
designs?
The silks I use are all Indian and the embroidery work there is simply
amazing. I strive to show this technique and Indian colors and textiles in a
way that’s not typical.
What is the focus of your latest collection? Where did you
get the inspiration from?
I thought of a young girl who lives in a place like Goa or Ibiza, her
lifestyle. The pieces could be worn as cover-ups in the daytime or dressed up
for a night out. The shapes are flowing, the fabrics are light, I like the way
they move in the outdoors.
Who do you think is the best dressed woman in Bollywood?
I think Sushmita Sen always looks impeccable.
Who are some of the designers you admire?
Wow, there are so many, let me name one Western and one Indian. I adore
Phoebe Philo, who heads Chloe, she is genius. In India, I love Sanchita Ajjampur.
Her Indo-Italian style is spot on.
How would you describe the fashion industry in the United
States?
It’s tough. There are so many unbelievably talented people, and there are
a lot of young designers that don’t get the exposure they deserve. But it’s where
the best of the best come from all over the world. You know what they say, if
you can make it here…
* First picture: Top from Payal Singhal, www.payalsinghal.com.
Skirt by Christine Philip, www.christinephilip.com for retail locations.
Credits: Photography: Mark Morgan. Makeup/Hair: Laura Flagler. Model: Joy Morgan, FORD/Robert Black Arizona |
