Designs on you
Meet the fashion gurus who are changing the way the city dresses
Experiment and evolve
Siddharth Shashankan’s tryst with fashion happened by chance. He wanted to be an automobile designer, but fate had different plans for him and fashion slipped in as a last minute decision. Today, he swears that his choice couldn’t have been better. “I am driven by the idea of producing quality fashion. My biggest achievement has been in making people acknowledge that good quality takes the look and feel of the outfit to an all new level, and is hence sacrosanct,” he says.
A graduate of the Raffles Design Institute, Singapore, with a degree in Fashion Design from Northumbria University, UK, Siddharth’s love for classics and his exploration of the contemporary, can be seen in his two lines – Hangar and Clipse. While Hangar offers traditional and contemporary ensembles for men and women, Clipse offers ready- towear ensembles for women.
While Chennai as a market remains hesitant to the more revolutionary fashion ideas, Siddharth believes there are still those who wouldn’t mind experimenting. “The market is opening up to new ideas and people are willing to experiment, giving Chennai designers more creative scope. The challenge in Chennai however, is that a large population is still traditional when it comes to dressing. In my experience, I think we as a city like to experiment with the modern while retaining the traditional cultural identity.
Siddharth believes his own straightforward approach to life reflects largely in his designs, along with his love for the classics. “Nude pumps are always a safe bet when you are confused about what to wear with a particular outfit. Thicker waist belts will help you even out proportions,” he says.
“Audrey Hepburn’s classic style is ageless and this is what my designs are about. Technology too has influenced my work, even though this influence translates in my designs in a subtle manner.”
His latest collection has been created for a show in Singapore, India Within, the funds of which will be going to a charitable trust. The idea and inspiration behind the collection is, ‘ The world needs a super hero’. He has incorporated shades of midnight blue, black, yellow and red orange and olive green on toby, silk, georgettes and net. INSPIRATION The 1960s psychedelia, hippies, and the Haight- Ashbury, neighborhood of San Francisco, California TIP Always look at the innner seams of a garment to see if it is well made. The quality of the lining and the finishes can tell you if the garment has been made with care. TREND WATCH Shimmer, mismatched and contrasting elements. STORE Hangar Atelier, GC, Block- 1, Magnolia Park, No. 2, Five Furlong Road, Guindy TEL 917655 5566