Baseline shift

Dehi-based designer Manav Gangwani will be shifting base to Mumbai

He may be a designer by profession, but then Manav Gangwani has never been one to limit his creative design sensibilities to just clothes. Last year saw him collaborate with his sarod player pals Ayaan and Amaan Ali Khan.

“I don’t see why I should limit myself and music is something that I am really fond of. In fact, the album Passion did really well and I will come up with other albums as well. But no, I’m not working on it now so it’s not going to happen right away,” quips Manav, who’s also into painting.

But of course, fashion comes first and Manav is clearly looking at expansion, which explains why he’s considering moving base to Mumbai.

“Now don’t ask me if it’s because Mumbai is better than Delhi or vice versa. I think this line of thought speaks for a narrow vision and it’s nothing of that sort for me as Delhi is home and Mumbai is a great city too. I love its energy and buzz,” he explains, adding that he’s presently scouting for the right place to launch his store.

“The way I see it, Mumbai is also a great market and there are a lot of business opportunities here. I have also realised that I am very comfortable in the suburbs; so I have almost zeroed in on a place there,” reveals Manav, who also plans to set up stores outside India, mainly in the Middle-East.

Then, there’s the option of designing for films —something that he’s open to but is in no hurry to do it.

“While I understand that a movie is more about the characters than the costumes/dresses and it’s a lot different than designing for the regular clientele, I’m very particular about the right banner, the right script and the works. So as clichéd as it sounds, I’m waiting for the right offer. I’m not going to get into it just because of the glamourous Bollywood connection; I already have enough friends in the industry,” he winks.

But ask him about his upcoming show at the WIFW and Manav is reluctant to say much. “Last time around, I unveiled my first ever men’s collection and the coming show will mark the debut of my resort wear collection both for men and women. The show does have a theme but I can only say that it’s not a seasonal line; it’s comfortable, stylish clothing at affordable rates,” says Manav, whose clientele boasts of Raveena Tandon, Saif and Soha Ali Khan, Riddhima Kapoor and many more.