VARIJA BAJAJ KNOWN FASHION DESIGNER EXCL. INTERVIEW WITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

V.B : I started ten years ago in 2004 with absolutely no knowledge about designing.The downside was that the fashion industry was very unorganized and no learning curve to follow.There were no benchmarks and everyone was struggling to find the success path for themselves.The good part was that it was an open field for a newcomer like me….i didn’t have to follow any path so created my own rules of the game.

Editor: How and when did VARIJA DESIGN STUDIO came into inception ?

V.B: I am a management student …with an MBA from University of Sheffield,UK.During my final semester i decided to research about the Indian retail industry and the scope of fusion clothing in India then.Anticipating a great demand in fusion clothing…i came back to India and started this as a venture.”Over years the market dynamics changed and so did we.Our forte today is Bridal-wear”.

Editor: A homemaker,A Mother,A Wife,A Daughter,A fashion-designer .How you manage your stress and what helps you keep moving ?

V.B: If it wasn’t my die-hard passion for my profession i would have not been able to sustain.But i am blessed to pursue what i enjoy the most.However it would not have been possible without the support and understanding of my family,especially my husband Jeetendra Dharewa. He has not only been encouraging but also very supportive to stand by me in all difficult times.My daughter Seher 2.5 years of age understands my professional commitments and is often happy to accompany me to work.And of-course my parents…because of whom i get the driving force.

Editor: Wedding and occasional dressing have been your forte,how much has the scenario change from the time you started your career ?

V.B: We ventured into Indian Bridal-wear only 6 years ago.We anticipated tough competition in pret wear with the FDI in retail….so we decided to pursue what foreign brands would not venture into-labour intensive craftsmanship. When we started people were buying Rs.60000 Bridal outfit ….whereas today a Rs.60,000 is the budget for a pre-bridal outfit.People are happy spending on weddings today.

Editor: Women Indian fashion designer are still in minority as compared to male ,What according to you can be the possible reasons.

V.B: Fashion designing in India is like any other manufacturing industry with odd hours,labour issues,tight deadlines.It is very difficult for a woman to cope in a male dominated industry.You need to have two things by your side to sustain as a woman in the Fashion/production Industry-

1. Die hard passion with a tough mettle to face men at all levels

2. A very strong family support

And i am lucky to be blessed with both.

Editor:Do you think woman politicians in INDIA dress suitably or it requires a makeover and if yes what kind of makeover ?

V.B: Even though i would wish a makeover for Indian Women Politicians….”i don’t think India is ready yet for the same.They would want to see their politicians either in a suit or a saree-exactly the code that is being followed currently”.May be it is also important so as to relate to the masses.

Editor: Internationally still INDIA fashion has a long way to go,what according to you can help INDIA’s fashion industry attain this ?

V.B: India has a strong flavour of its own and which is also our strength.We should market what we are best at rather than aping the west.Both Indian designers and the Tourism Ministry should either invite western retail stalwarts to India or go to foreign shores promoting Indianness. It is all about marketing it well which i think we strongly lack in.

Editor: What’s your favourite fabrics you like working on and why ?

V.B: Net is my favorite fabric.There are several qualities of net available…hard,soft,big hole,small hole,net with lycra, net with shimmer etc.Net works multi-purpose for LAYERING.It has tenacity to hold heavy embroideries yet look very delicate and feminine. 

Editor: Everybody has an unfulfilled dream at some stage of life,Did you had any?

V.B: I think i have attained Nirvana...:) I am living a very accomplished life in all spheres. I just wish for more and more learning which will be never ending till i die.

Editor: Your one line message for your fans and visitors of our portal.

“Work with Passion, Love with Passion & Live with Passion”. 

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For more on Varija Baja creations visit http://www.lotusse.biz/