Spearheaded by Shivika Goenka, The Wardrobe Luxe, a multi-designer space, opened on the sixth floor of Quest mall last Thursday, just ahead of the Pujas, with a curation of fusion wear and ethnic, party picks, cocktail wear, smart casuals and jewellery. Fashion designers Mandira Wirk and Namrata Joshipura, both stocking at The Wardrobe Luxe, were in town to celebrate the launch. We caught up with Shivika, Namrata and Mandira for a candid chat.
A glimpse of The Wardrobe Luxe
Shivika, congratulations on The Wardrobe Luxe. What is the idea?
Shivika: The sixth floor (of Quest) has always been synonymous with fashion and luxury. We wanted to come up with a more permanent space. It is showcasing the best Indian designers. There are renowned Indian designers as well but there is also a lot of fresh, upcoming talent as well. It is a good mix of pret, festive wear and occasionwear, under one roof.
What are your expectations?
Shivika: Just to bridge the gap I would say. I feel we tend to wear a lot of westernwear nowadays, which I feel is perhaps lacking (in the city). This could help and the price points are very good. There is something for everyone. There are travel-friendly outfits, coord sets and everyday clothes as well.
Mandira and Namrata, what do you think of the space?
Mandira Wirk: I think it's gorgeous and I love the beautiful vibe. It says it all. I love the whole couture feel and the way they have done the flowers, it's very feminine and elegant and that is something my clothes reflect because my clothes are very flowy and always have that romantic and feminine feel. I want to congratulate Shivika. This is my first time at (Quest) and I am glad they have invited us. It's lovely to meet everyone here.
Namrata Joshipura: I have a very long-standing relationship with Stylefile (the annual fashion and lifestyle showcase co-founded by Preeti Goenka and Sumedha Saraogi), which is also a connection with the family. I have been doing that for years and of course, shown in Calcutta and at The Loft (a multi-utility space) and we were part of Shivika's first project which was the discount sale at The Loft, years ago.
I am here to support Shivika and this is very international. It's a nice mix of pret, resort, contemporary, and eveningwear. It's going to be a one-of-a-kind setup. Shivika had a vision and she clearly understands the market and I know she'll conquer the market.
(l-r) Manjri Agarwal, Abhilasha Sethia
Shivika, tell us what you love about Mandira and Namrata, as people and designers?
Shivika: With Namrata, the family has had a connection for years. I love her work. It's perfect for girls like me and she has silhouettes that complement us. I love Mandira's flowy fabrics and I love florals. The clothes have a perfect brunch kind of vibe.
Mandira and Namrata, between the two of you, you have decades of experience. How has the fashion space evolved?
Namrata: I think the landscape is changing rapidly. The customer is more aware and knows their mind. They come with a clear idea of how they want to look and dress and that is very interesting. It is a sort of collaboration with your customer. You are not just a clothes horse any more. You are participating in the buying process and come with a mindset, which is very nice.
(l-r) Vedika Kejriwal, Richa Sharma
Since the landscape has changed drastically, thanks to social media, you have a wider audience and people have a wider spectrum to choose from. One has to be innovative but stay true to the DNA. That's what keeps you relevant in my opinion.
Mandira: As Namrata rightly said, social media plays a big role and what I have noticed with social media is that they don't want to repeat. There was a time when people used to think of investment buying. Now that whole concept has changed. As designers, we have to be careful about the price points.... The whole concept about new customers is they are open to trying new silhouettes and colours. I think it's great because they also keep us aggressive in our creative thinking. It's a great change and as designers, we all have to evolve and I love the process.
What are the challenges?
Namrata: I don't view this as a challenge really but that's the nature of the business. You have to keep evolving and what doesn't grow, decays. The client is so desirous and aspirational that you have to have that creative input yourself to be able to produce and give something out. I think that's the nature of the beast. The machinery should be oiled constantly.
Is there exhaustion?
Namrata: Oh, there is design fatigue.
Mandira: She and I have been talking and the only conversation we were having is about back end, production issues...
Namrata: Being women and mothers comes into play too. We are working women and we have children and homes and spouses who are equally helpful. Having said that, there's still a role that you play that is different. That's an added responsibility that comes with the territory....
How do you look after yourselves? Both of you look gorgeous! And, please give us some work-life balance tips!
Namrata: There is no work-life balance. That thing does not exist. You have to plan your life accordingly. I personally feel you have to have a passion outside of your work life, which keeps you motivated. My passion is running and I love the outdoors and I love hiking. That's my outlet.
Mandira: We all have to have priorities. I start my day early... with my daughter and then go for Pilates and then start my work. It's imperative for me to do some kind of exercise because that takes away a lot of your stress and if you can do about 20 minutes of meditation, it helps with so many challenges.
Designers Speak
Saaksha & Kinni: We are so thrilled to be collaborating with The Wardrobe. Their curation is always spot-on, they really know their customer and what they are looking for.
Anugrah Chandra of KoAi: Congratulations on this incredible milestone and achievement. Your dedication to creating a vibrant and inviting shopping experience truly shines through in every detail of your newly transformed space.
Ritika Arya Jain of Renasci: Working with The Wardrobe Luxe has been an absolutely smooth journey. Apart from sharing with us constant feedback from clients they also encourage their clients to speak to the designer they are investing in to understand better what would suit their body.
Ridhi Mehra: Our Mayflower collection at The Wardrobe Luxe has a captivating array of chic transitional pieces. It is a breezy ready-to-wear collection perfect for every occasion, dipped in a rich array of colours.
Varun Bahl: Congratulations to The Wardrobe Luxe on their new look. I am excited to showcase my latest collection, Inner Bloom, at the all-new The Wardrobe Luxe. The collection draws inspiration from nature’s tapestry and features weaving textures and delicate appliqué work.