It's too early to have a mental block: Aneeth Arora

Pero by Aneeth Arora has always been rooted in simplicity mingled with a playfulness. Extrapolating khadi, malkha, jamdani and Chanderi, the label is steeped in India's core crafts and textiles. Cutesy buttons, heart motifs, tassels, dolls and a vibe of 'handmade with a lot of love' when one thinks of Pero. After Hrs caught up with the talented designer for a brief chat...

Back in the day, selling handloom was a challenge. Today you have a craft based label walking out of every corner. Comment. 

As long as we draw from the same sources, our culture and tradition and as long as one has a signature of one's own, it's actually good for our heritage. I see it as great for the crafts which are going extinct. However, it's important to have signature language so that people can tell one from another. It's crucial what fresh are you offering.

Your fav designers.

In India I admire Rajesh Pratap Singh, Abraham and Thakore and Sabyasachi for his business acumen. Internationally, I like Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons and Dries Van Noten. There's always a surprise element in them season after season.

Pero completes eight years in June this year. Do you encounter a mental block? 

It's too early to have a mental block as there's no dearth of crafts in India. Everyone can have a fresh take even if there are people who have done it before. 
My travel overseas inspire me and I also travel within India for developing textiles. I think there's no end to possibilities when it comes to imbibing inspiration.