Nipa Doshi
One half of the internationally acclaimed UK-based design firm Doshi Levien, Nipa lists her cultural leanings
In order to survive as a designer, you have to think of details and technicality
YOUR ‘COMFORT’ BOOK
The illustrated version of Amar Chitra Katha. Since the birth of my child, I’ve stopped reading serious books.
WHAT’S ON YOUR CURRENT PLAYLIST?
The spirit of young and celebratory India—
Chhammak Chhallo for one.
ARTISTS OR ARTWORKS
Frida Kahlo.
LOVES IN FASHION
Martin Grant, whose very smooth and beautifully tailored clothes last you for years.
YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION
Art... But I can’t afford Frida Kahlo yet.
FAVOURITE COMIC BOOK HEROES
I had a very democratic upbringing, so while I read Chacha Chaudhary, I also read Tintin (which at that point all the rich kids were reading).
FIRST BOY-BAND YOU LOVED
Wham! with George Michael.
FANTASY DATE
A date with Shah Rukh Khan.
ONE PLACE IN INDIA YOU RELATE TO MOST
Most of my family hails from Mumbai. But I am a perpetual observer, so I relate to people more than places.
ACADEMICALLY, YOU WERE STRONGEST AT...
Physics, computer science, mathematics, and
english. I was a brainiac, but couldn’t imagine doing that for my entire life. In order to survive as a designer, you have to think of details and technicality, so having that education and understanding certainly helped a lot.
WHEN DID YOU MAKE YOUR FIRST DESIGN?
I was always sewing my own clothes.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE
I was almost thrown out of NID as a student. Also when I moved to the UK, it was nearly impossible for me to get a job. Design was so developed there, so I didn’t know what I could bring to the table. It has taken people 10 years to understand and accept our vision.
TURNING POINT IN YOUR CAREER
Meeting Jonathan Levien, my partner, followed by a meeting with Patrizia Moroso, the creative director of Moroso.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE GIVEN
I don’t listen to advice (winks). However, I would advise people to focus on what they’re good at, even in design. I almost lost my love for drawing because I was so discouraged as a child, but I never gave up. Today my drawings are being curated and used for countless exhibitions.
ADVICE TO YOUNG DESIGNERS
Persevere if you’re passionate about it, without the glamour of it. Learn to make things with your own hands. Design is very rooted in making things.