The CellDSGN duo tell Shweta Shiware why Indian men, who've been dished out a raw deal so far, might fancy their all-new Edwardiana Punk line
The CellDSGN duo tell Shweta Shiware why Indian men, who've been dished out a raw deal so far, might fancy their all-new Edwardiana Punk lineIt's the stuff made for happily ever afters. Smita Singh Rathore and Himanshu Shahi's unwavering love for lace has singularly diminished the rigid limits of conventional men or women fabrics, lending a sense of flickering freedom. Set up half a decade ago in Italy, CellDSGN marked a merger between two focused radicals Smita and Himanshu after they completed a post-graduate training at the Damus Academy, a design school in Milan.
In October 2008 at Delhi Fashion Week, CellDSGN revealed their "clothes with introspection" to a roomful of the finest fashion people, and came away pleasantly surprised. "Honestly, we never designed the clothes keeping a favourable reaction in mind. We knew that our clothes have an international appeal, and aren't suited for the Indian market. The appreciation came from those who understood fashion. But we are certain that acceptance from Indian masses will come soon," says the fiercely optimistic Smita.
Her faith is definitely not misplaced, since the collection, titled 11:11, wasn't roses and cherries. The image of a model walking backwards on ramp hasn't left viewers' minds. Here, heaps of coarse cloth and a measuring tape translated a designer's vision. Serenading structural and androgyny, the womenswear line juxtaposed suiting and shirting fabrics with fine lace, tulle and taffeta silk.
After distorting the idea of femininity, Smita and Himanshu are in the midst of muddling William Darcy's dandyism with the hedonistic street appeal of the Sex Pistols for Edwardiana Punk, their "only men" Autumn/Winter collection that will be showcased at Delhi Fashion Week between March 19 and 24. "There's a lacunae between what the male customer wants and what he's offered. Yes, there are loads of mass brands, but not enough Indian designer labels offering stylish casual wear options."
The wide-eyed fascination for world and costume history had the two flipping through the yellowed pages of the liberating opulence of the early 20th century. "There may not be apparent overlaps between the Edwardian and Punk eras, but when mixed together, they create an interesting concept," she says with a promise. With 11:11 better received in Mumbai than in hometown Delhi, Smita is reassured of the city's capacity to embrace new clothing ideas.
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"Now, we are going to strongly focus on Mumbai," reveals Smita.
