Designer Anju Modi on the intricacies of fabric and beautiful design
Down to basics
What is the importance of fabric in an outfit?
Good quality fabric is important because it makes the act of wearing an outfit a pleasant experience.
What is the importance of ‘feel’ in an outfit?
The feel of the fabric is very important because you need to feel good while wearing it.
‘Feel good’ vs. ‘look good’, what do you choose?
Both. They can co-exist. Looking good and feeling good can have a significant effect on how you see yourself, and how you present yourself to the world.
Why do you think more people are moving towards eco-friendly fabrics?
More people are moving towards eco-friendly fabrics because it’s better for the people, the animals and the earth. It lasts longer, it’s more personal and it’s easier to care for; it’s more than just organic.
When you are designing, and are in a dilemma on ‘high fashion’ vs. ‘feel good’, what do you choose?
Both. As I said before, good design can feel good too.
What should we keep in mind while shopping for fabrics?
The most important component of a garment is its fabric. It does not matter how well-crafted the seams of the garment are—if an outfit is made from the wrong fabric, it will not do justice to the design and will end up looking like a disaster. While choosing the right fabric for a garment, keep the fabric weight and its drape in mind.
What are the shifts in fabric, that you have seen over time?
When I started my journey, I was privileged to experience authentic, handcrafted fabrics from all over India. Gradually, the trend shifted to synthetics due to evolving technology. Today, I am glad that we are finally coming back to our roots.
Your experience on working with Liva
I had a very good experience with Liva, as it is a naturally-created fabric that transforms not just the garment, but also the person wearing it.