Effortless Chic
Nupur Kanoi 40 Fashion Designer
Designer Nupur Kanoi came into the fashion world through a long route. She was all set to study accountancy and become a CA when it dawned her that “I need to do something creative with my hands.” After four years of studying design in NIFT Kolkata she became a stylist for Verve magazine. Two years later, she came back to Kolkata to work as an assistant designer under Anamika Khanna. And while that offered her enough creative freedom she always yearned to start something of her own. And that's how the Nupur Kanoi label was born in 2008.
Style Traits
With a decade in fashion design, Kanoi’s aesthetic has evolved but always with an inherent signature. “People come to me when they want something that is fun and casual, yet looks dressy,” she says. Another defining trait is “sexiness”. “Whether you are a size 8 or a 14 we all want to look sexy. It is not about how much skin to show but sometimes about what does not show,” she says. Androgyny is another aspect of her clothes.
“I have always liked pants and jumpsuits and men’s clothing for women. I think it is because I have always felt women do a far better job than men when it comes to most things and yet they have to struggle to prove themselves,” she says. But with every collection she does feel her clothes get a little more feminine or accepting of femininity but in a more “powerful way”. I might do a slinky jumpsuit but there will be a broad belt to balance it out,” she says.
All in the Game
Comparisons with Anamika Khanna do not bother her. “I find it flattering because if after only ten years into the industry I am compared to be the best then it can only be a good thing. Having said that, I think the comparisons happen because it is the same genre,” she says.
Bollywood Highlights
Her recent social media high was when Neha Dhupia wore a jumpsuit from the out of her Africa collection on Koffee With Karan.
“I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED PANTS AND JUMPSUITS AND MEN’S GARMENTS FOR WOMEN."