AISHA DEPALA STARTED A FASHION CLOTHING DESIGNER'S CAREER IN 2002 AT THE END OF TWO PRESTIGIOUS PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE UK - CENTRAL ST. MARTINS SCHOOL OF FASHION AND LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION. LATER AISHA CREATED ITS OWN BRAND AYESHA DEPALA, UNDER WHICH TODAY PRESENTS COLLECTIONS OF READY-CLOTHING AND “HAUTE COUTURE” MODEL.
Aisha's philosophy, whose products are popular in the Middle East, Europe and its native India, is to create models exclusive in appearance and quality, but at the same time accessible to fashion fans. It is no coincidence that Ayesha Depala outfits are chosen by many celebrities, such as Lebanese singer Elissa, supermodel Yasmine Le Bon, actresses Nayomi Watts, Ashwarayya Rai, Sonam Kapoor, Deepika Padukon and many others. Ayesha Depala collections recently went on sale at Harvey Nichols Dubai.
Aisha, how do you feel in the atmosphere of Harvey Nichols department store presenting your collections here?
Harvey Nichols Department Store is a leading luxury shopping destination with many of my favorite designer brands. I am proud that I have the opportunity to represent my brand here, as it becomes more accessible to more buyers from among the residents of the Emirates and tourists from different countries.
In addition, it gives me great pleasure to work with the Harvey Nichols team. What does the word "fashion" mean to you?
For me, fashion is a continuation of my own personality.
Style or fashion - what is primary?
Fashion and style may or may not work in tandem. A stylish person may be a fan of fashion, or maybe not. Conversely, a fashionable person may not be stylish. A truly stylish person creates fashion trends, and does not blindly follow fashion.
What message do you want to convey to buyers in your collections? How to emphasize true femininity in our contemporaries?
When I create a new collection, I don’t try to consciously put some promise into it, I like it more when my clothes and the way they are worn emphasizes the person’s point of view on the world around him and himself. Femininity lies in the nuances, in the thoughts of a woman, her mood, and this often manifests itself in a lady's costume. Therefore, it is equally interesting for me to work in a classical and modern manner.
A trivial question, but where does inspiration come from?
I find inspiration in everything that surrounds me in everyday life. People, streets, markets, art and architecture - everything inspires me to be creative. I really like the old and seemingly worn things. Vintage images are born from them.
Do you think beauty is still saved the world?
This statement is often quoted. "Beauty will save the world." It is logical if beauty means compassion, generosity and unity. The modern world is regressing, people are dying of hunger, some countries are on the verge of war, and our environment is polluted to a dangerous level. I think that fostering a noble spirit and a sense of living participation in the troubles of others is the way to save the world.
How would you describe the style and mood of your current collections?
Ayesha Depala’s ready-to-wear collection for the fall 2012–2013 season returns to historical romantic dramas, such as the English television series Downton Abbey or the romantic comedy Notting Hill, which includes weightless outfits including blouses, lace tops, silk pants and overalls, and also maxi dresses and sophisticated evening toilets.
I used a lot of soft silk crepe in the collection, this is my favorite material - the finest tulle. Lace, laid on each other in several layers, creates a three-dimensional effect, especially contrasting color combinations give depth and luxury. For me, a lace cloth is a hint of cleanliness and fragility, paired with trousers, harem lace blouses look amazing.
What was your very first collection dedicated to?
I made my first collection for Saks Fifth Avenue and mainly from silk chiffon and lace with slightly blurry shades. It seemed interesting to me to convey in her the bohemian spirit of the 1970s and express true femininity.
What things would you call the most fashionable this summer season? And what about the upcoming winter?
I constantly monitor the change of fashion trends, as I work, taking into account my own emotional phases. In the summer, I personally wear a lot of different skirts, overalls and jersey trousers. For the fall-winter season, I again propose to dress in lace and deeper shades: burgundy, dark gray and dark pink.
What gives you the greatest joy when working on a new collection?
I like the whole creative process. The mood becomes an idea, the idea turns into a sketch, and then smoothly transforms into a three-dimensional finished model.
Are you going to add accessories to existing lines, for example?
Today, under the Ayesha Depala label, collections of ready-made clothes, wedding dresses and couture dresses are issued. Already in November of this year I plan to introduce my own line of bags.
As a fashion designer, which of your achievements are you most proud of?
Every day is unique. He gives joy and challenges. To see how my brand is growing and gaining more and more fans is what is my most significant achievement.
What are your future plans?
I plan to expand the brand in the GCC countries, Europe and Asia, starting with the fall-winter 2012-2013 and spring-summer 2013 collections.
Good luck to you, Aisha.
