Goan designer Saviojon contemplates dropping Jon from his name after being mistaken for NY designer Anand Jon who was recently convicted for sexual assault
Goan designer Saviojon contemplates dropping "Jon" from his name after being mistaken for NY designer Anand Jon who was recently convicted for sexual assaultThe cultivated calm is in place, but laced with a pinch of annoyance. Goa-based designer Saviojon Fernandes says the name he is proud of has proven to be a bit of problem after he was linked to Sanjana Jon, sister to infamous fashion designer Anand Jon, who was recently in the news for being convicted for 59 years in a sexual assault case.
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Supermodel Lakshmi Menon wears a Saviojon creation from his Spring/Summer 2010, showcased at Rendez-Vous Trade Show in New York and Paris this September. Incidentally, guests at a party in New York mistook Lakshmi for celebrity food expert and Salman Rushdie's ex-lover Padma Lakshmi, and Saviojon for the now-convicted New York designer Anand Jon. Pic/Prabuddha Dasgupta |
Ten days ago, an Indian national daily printed a story on Sanjana Jon with a caption that read, "Designer Savio Jon's sister upset at lack of support from industry". A friend called up Saviojon pointing out the error. "It's a grave mistake. I am not comfortable with the incorrect reference, and it's not like the sister showcased a good show either. The newspaper published an apology but does that make any difference? The article is out, and perhaps even on the Internet for all to read," says Saviojon in a telephonic interview. Unlike what the newspaper published, his sister Merlyn, is in fact a school teacher, and Jon is his second name.
This is not the first time that the reticent designer who's made a mark for himself in India and markets abroad, has had to rethink his name. During a house party at a friend's in New York, he had guests telling him and supermodel friend Lakshmi Menon how they had all met in NYC some time ago. "That sounded strange because that was my first trip to New York. That's when we realised they were mixing us up with chef and model Padma Lakshmi (Salman Rushdie's ex lover) and New York designer Anand Jon," says Saviojon.
Back then, the mix-up didn't bother him as much as it does today since in September Anand Jon was sentenced to 59 years in prison by a California court for sexually assaulting seven young women. Saviojon, who was chosen as the Indian representative at the celebrated Rendez-Vous Trade Show during New York and Paris Fashion Weeks this September, had his brother Victor and business associate Jyoti Gwalani warn him about a possible mix-up. "They thought it would create hassles during VISA and immigration formalities, but fortunately buyers didn't confuse me with Anand."
Saviojon hasn't let the freak incidents bog him down but it has made him rethink his name, like the time he was ordering his stationary. "As far as the US market goes, maybe I'll go with the name 'Savio Fernandes' in future.
It can get confusing, especially for those who aren't associated with fashion," he believes.
Help Mumbai police by buying 12k handbagIf a tragedy like 26/11 is what it takes to remind us about the importance of the Mumbai police force, so be it, is what this launch of limited edition designer bags seems to say. Handbag designer Malini Agarwalla of Malaga says the scars the terror attacks left on this city won't heal easily, but she'd rather remember the city for its happy memories. Her line, Mumbai-A Tribute includes 50 handbags depicting iconic images of the Taj Mahal Hotel, Rajabai Tower and Flora Fountain drenched in shades of sepia, available for sale on November 11. Each is priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,000, and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Mumbai police.
At: Aza, 21, Altamount Road.
India at the Rendez-vous Trade ShowSaviojon says his designs struck a chord with buyers from Canada, Paris and Berlin. "India is still perceived as one to produce only embroidered garments. My design sensibility is rooted in India, and can be worn anywhere in the world. My Spring/Summer 2010 collection had a folksy, laidback feel to it. Vidya Narine (co-founder Rendez-Vous Paris, New York) has a knack of getting anti-establishment design ideas and offbeat talent together, and it's good to see that there is a space for everyone in this world."
Who is Anand Jon?New York designer of Indian origin, Anand Jon (35) use of violence, lack of remorse in his rape and sexual battery of young women landed him a 59 year sentence in September this year. He was accused of enticing women over the Internet with the lure of plum modelling assignments. His sister Sanjana and mother Shashi claim he is a victim of racial bias in a white society jealous of the success of a brown-skinned man. After 9/11, Jon was labelled one of the rising stars of fashion, with him designing clothes for the likes of heiress and socialite Paris Hilton.
I'm not comfortable with the incorrect reference. The newspaper published an apology but does that make any difference? The article is out, and perhaps even on the Internet for all to read.
Saviojon Fernandes
