GenNext winner Shriya Khanna is a fashion design graduate from NIFT, Chennai and consequently FIT, New York. Her journey in the field began early on as she would constantly tag along with friends and acting as their personal shopper, putting together outfits for them. She then wanted to take her passion further and contribute to the positivity one feels from seeing themselves in a piece fitted to perfection. Interning under stalwarts such as Vivek Karunakaran, Naeem Khan, Amit Aggarwal, Rimzim Dadu and Nikita Mhaisalkar, gave her the confidence to take the leap with her own label.
Below, Shriya tells us more about her label.
The Practice
Shriya Khanna is an experimental and innovative textile/surface driven Luxury Pret brand for women. The garments/creations are made using new age technology and are a visual representation of characteristics that I find most alluring and beautiful in a piece of art (the inspiration).
The Sustainable Blueprint
A conscious effort is made to have as little wastage as possible. Visualising the use of the leftovers from the current collection for limited pieces in the future collection, gives me joy. Ethical practices like taking care of my employees, is an integral part of what the brand stands for.
The Inspiration
The collection is texture driven and is inspired by Peter Collingwood's woven textile pieces. I love how delicate, graphic, monochromatic and multilayered his pieces are and I have tried to interpret the same in my garments in the form of surface texture.
The Creative Process
I enjoy experimenting with new technology and different materials. My work is based very much on my inspiration. I analyse and immerse myself in my inspiration and interpret the artist's work (inspiration) in surface designing. I want each piece of mine to look like a piece of art in motion.
The Fashion of Now
To me, fashion is something that is very individualistic and personal. The inclusivity that is being seen now in society is an incredibly significant and welcoming change to me.
Text Unnati Saini
Date 28-03-2022