What do you think has been the biggest motivation behind your stellar success in your profession?
I do what I do because I genuinely enjoy and love it. I never actually thought of my label or designing as work or my profession. Most times, I don’t think I was even aware of my success or failures. I loved the idea of making my vision come to life – actually creating a garment that can be worn from a thought. Similarly with styling and interiors, I just did what I liked to do every single day with an eagerness to be better than the previous day. I think when you love doing something, that in itself is the biggest motivation to keep growing.
How did you get in to the Fashion industry?
I was working in my family business, while my sister decided to launch her label, “Ananya” in London and this venture really sparked my interest. Before I knew it, I was always helping her rather than actually doing my own work and the next thing I knew, I decided to bring the label to Mumbai. After that, there was no looking back. I loved conceptualizing and designing clothes. It wasn’t work for me so soon after came my own signature label and I haven’t stopped designing ever since!
How easy or difficult it is to make a mark for yourself and stay relevant for a long time in an industry as fiercely competitive and dynamic as Fashion ?
Despite the fashion industry being one of the most competitive and cut throat industries to be a part of, it will also seize to grow and constantly adapt to the current generation. There is place for everyone as fashion is so unique to each person. There are so many styles and aesthetics when it comes to designing so more than it being difficult to stay relevant, it’s difficult to be true to your design sensibility constantly. Even with trends, as a designer it’s important to take that trend and apply it to your style instead of blindly letting the trend guide your collection. I believe, if you’re honest with your art, be it in a form or fashion or interiors, you will stay relevant.
When you are not working what do you do like to do?
Whether it’s a weekend or a few weeks, I love traveling when I get a breather. My life has always been very spontaneous and unpredictable in terms to my travel plans so I tend to work and take a lot of inspiration even when I’m not physically at the store. If I’m in the city and have an off which is a few rare Sundays – my bed, a box of pizza and Netflix are all the things I need.
Any specific names in your mind in Bollywood and Hollywood that you would like to work with?
I think styling Kangana Ranawat would be an exciting challenge. She’s bold and vivacious in her fashion choices and that really pushes a designer to source or design a great look. Talking of the West, I really resonate with Kate Moss and Blake Lively’s sense of style. It’s simple but always so chic. Also, Madonna! Who wouldn’t want to work with her?
Travel-wise, do you have any specific destination in your mind where you like to go again and again and not get enough of it ?
Not sure if London even counts as a travel destination anymore. I spend a lot of the year there, it’s also home and I’m definitely not sick of it. I do love traveling to and fro London, especially to quaint islands and beaches where I can just be, soak in the sun, listen to great music, shop and eat at their local stores and meet new people.
Where do you see yourself 5 years down the line?
I like living life with a certain amount of unpredictability. I’m open to new adventures and hopefully, a family but nothings in stone!
Is there any one liner advice you would like to give to our other woman achievers or aspiring women and to those who happen to read this interview?
Do what you love and believe in yourself while doing it. If you believe in what you’re doing, every obstacle can be overcome with a lesson to learn and help you grow in not just your professional but also your personal life.
“MY LIFE HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY SPONTANEOUS AND UNPREDICTABLE.”
From the deepest recesses of domestic fashion industry in its nascent stage nearly two decades ago till its gradual transformation into a position of significant prominence, Nandita Mahtani has witnessed it all and lived it all. The pure contemporary forms of designs, the indigenous and simplistic ones as well as fusions with stark (and subtle) influences from the west have all been part of her collections over all these years. It has been a journey that she has thoroughly enjoyed while simultaneously nurturing her un-paralleled creativity, an eye for detail and zest to be always on top of the game. No wonder she is one of most niche and sought after fashion designer of our times.
“DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF WHILE DOING IT”
