Anokhi Fashion Lifestyle Entertaiment

Farida Lalji has been designing be-spoke South Asian formalwear for almost twenty years. Her personal client list includes Canadian Singer/Songwriter Sarah McLachlan, British Actress Dame Judy Dench, and Indian Politician/Actress Shabana Azmi. Her collections are anything but demure—with beautiful intricate prints and bold colors, her dresses were beyond stunning. They entail unique materials, prints, and intricate detailing, and are beautiful enough for women all over the world. In her collections, she mizes in the hottest trends such as bold colors like teal and turquoise, leopard prints and florals. Some pieces were long, some short, and some even expose models’ stomachs, adding a super sexy element.

She will be presenting her ‘Faith’ Collection on Sunday, September 23rd, 2012 at Vancouver Fashion Week. Here is an interview with her about her collection: In the below interview she discusses her inspiration for the collection “constructive, rather than destructive, that is pacifist, rather than violent, that is full of spirit, rather than all black” and much more.

Tell us about your background in fashion.
FL: My love for fashion began at a very young age. My father owned a second hand clothing store when I was a child, and stocked clothing from European ambassadors' wives and other socialites in my hometown of Kampala, Uganda. I was fortunate enough to be styled in some of those clothes by my mother, and soon developed an appetite of my own for fine clothing. After my husband passed away suddenly when I was 39, I found myself at a loss of what to do to keep my constant grief at bay. I decided to pour my energy into learning more about clothing and fashion, opened up my own business at 45, and decided to go back to school to hone my design skills just a few years ago. I am finally where I want to be in my career, and it all began with a very big dream a very long time ago!

 

 

What does fashion mean to you?
FL: To me, fashion is a form of artistic expression. We convey much to others by the way we dress, the way we carry ourselves, and through our own body language. Fashion is a way by which I believe we communicate our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and the world around us to others. In that sense, fashion is really not nearly as trite as many people think.

What are some of your greatest accomplishments as a designer?
FL: My most fulfilling moment thusfar has been launching my own clothing line, and debuting it three seasons over with Vancouver Fashion Week. There is a great deal of fulfillment one gains in creating something which is truly a reflection of one's self, and being able to share that with the world. I am truly looking forward to showcasing my own line with Vancouver Fashion Week once again this season.

Can you tell us a little about your collection that you will be showcasing at VFW?
FL: The collection that I will be showcasing this season takes its inspiration from my faith. I was raised a Muslim, and have always been awed by the talents of our artisans. I am also particularly concerned about how Islam is being portrayed and perceived in the media and in the Western World. I would like to highlight a side of the faith that I know that is constructive, rather than destructive, that is pacifist, rather than violent, that is full of spirit, rather than all black!

What advice do you have for aspiring designers?

FL: My advice to aspiring fashion designers is to give full artistic expression to your own creative influences. It is only when you come through in your own designs, that you are able to enrich the vast body of design work that is already out there.

Who are your favorite international and Indian designers?
FL: My favorite Indian designer to date has to be Tarun Tahiliani! My favorite Pakistani designer right now is Nilofer Shahid. My European favorite has to be Roberto Cavalli! I love his choice of fabrics and prints!

For more information on Farida Lalji, visit: http://studiofarida.com/

Photos and Info Release courtesy of Vancouver Fashion Week.

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