‘I eat, breathe, sleep fashion’: Designer Monisha Jaising

Sporty chic may be having a moment now, but Monisha Jaising toyed with glam athleisure way back in 2004 with her ready-to-wear line. Clad in an MJ cruise T-shirt, a pair of denims and trainers — she’s in excellent shape and seems upbeat about the way she’s diversified into luxury pret while keeping the focus intact on her core bridal couture line. In an exclusive with After Hrs, the reinventor of the kurti talks about her couture line and future plans. Over to her...

Of late, you have had too much on your plate — the new luxury pret line must be taking most of your time? 

I love work. It’s all design. It’s not like I’m doing something else. It’s clothes. It’s not like I’m doing interiors the same time. It’s work — you eat, breathe, sleep it. 

What’s the plan ahead for the couture line?

Each brand has its own growth. It’ll grow in its own way. There’s a lot that can happen. MJ couture is very different — it’s very feminine — you can call it couture or evening resort. It’s got its own path and future. it’s already an established brand. We plan to go completely go international in the future. Our pret has been there for the longest time.

Do you ever get a creative block?

I haven’t got a creative block yet. I think I am getting crazy, the more I do, the more it’s pouring in. 

When you look back at your archive, any collection which comes to mind? 

It was a show I did with Lakme ages ago. I ventured into sportswear luxury items, track pants with sequins and we had bomber jackets with sequins and numbers in 2004. 

Your personal style is rather understated — a far cry from the high-octane glamour you showcase on the runway? 

Because it’s comfortable, that’s all, which makes it easy. My personal style is comfort-driven, but when I am designing it’s about the glitz and the glam.

RAPID FIRE 

Velvet or Lamé 
Lamé. I love lamé 

Kurti or chainmail 
That’s a tough one. Chainmail for day, kurti for night. What’s not expected always works. (smiles) 

Print or embroidery 
I think print is nice but embroidery is something India has.

Pantsuits or gowns 
Personally pantsuits but I think my customer loves my gowns. 

Flats or heels 
Personally flats, but I do have a collection of high heels, believe it or not. 

70s or 80s 
70s.

Mini or midi 
Mini. Midi, if it’s got a nice long slit.

Town or country 
Town. I was gonna say, beach if that’s allowed.