Archana Kochhar's grand designs

Bollywood glamour meets luxurious ensembles making every show of designer Archana Kochhar’s a visual treat. The self-taught designer, who’s had the who’s who of Bollywood wearing her designs, is excited about showcasing on the first day of BFW. “It’s an honour for me to take part in the Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week,” she admits unreservedly. And as someone who is known for her unabashedly grand couture creations, her collection for BFW 2012 will most surely not disappoint.
Revealing details about her show, she says, “I am showcasing my new bridal resortwear collection, Summer Brides of 2012.” The inspiration for the same being, “soothing energies emitted from sun-kissed sands and the blue sea.” She unabashedly admits to her love for making opulent, colourful creations. “I love to make and design grand clothes.” A designer who believes that clothes are a celebration, she says, “They bring joy to us. Each and every garment of mine is unique and is an expression of elegance, uniqueness and grace. I believe that they bring out happy and exquisite moments when one wears them,” she continues.
As a designer, Archana is well-recognised for creations that have a signature artistic element juxtaposed with very urban silhouettes. Describing her work process, she says, “My design process starts with a thirst for inspiration which develops into a concept. This is followed by in-depth research, colour forecasting and a silhouette board which then is maneuvered on to the flowchart. Once this is sorted, I start with my samples and then the final production of the garments.”
It’s certainly not easy to be a celebrated fashion designer who is constantly under media glare. Talking about how she keeps it real, she says, “I keep a balance with my work and consider myself as my own competition. I make it a point to get better each time I am displaying my new collection.”
“Being famous”, she iterates, “doesn’t affect my work and I believe that I handle work and media pressure very well.” “Meditation” in Archana’s words, “is the key to my focused state of mind and I don’t crack under pressure.”
So, in designing clothes year on year, does she keep track of trends of the year? “I design according to what is in trend,” she concedes before quickly adding, “I follow what I want and make sure to incorporate my elements and trademark in each of my collections.” While she might be going strong for over a decade now, there’s no trace of ennui in taking part in fashion weeks. In fact, she admits to feeling “ecstatic seeing my collection on the ramp.” “The adrenalin rush and the hype are always spectacular,” she cheerily concludes.