CFW : Where were you Born?
Reshma: Mangalore
Riyaz : Raipur
CFW : Where did you do your education?
Reshma: almost All of it in Mumbai , graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Textiles n then a Postgrad course in Designing
Riyaz : Studied upto his HSc levels in Mumbai and then in Hong Kong working as assistant to a Designer where he learnt the Shenzen style of cutting suits etc.
CFW : How did you start your professional journey was it easy ?
Riyaz : 5 yrs of practical training in hands-on designing and production in Hongkong set me up for a good start in Bombay with Millionaire….highlighted with them for short period and then started taking private orders for suits for men , while also setting up a line of fashion accessories with his brother which we supplied to the whole industry.
Reshma: after my designing course , worked with More n More and More Mischief for a short stint ….I think the changing point for us came when we started Libas with Nishant Mahimturas support and guidance ….we wr able to get a free hand designing one on one for our Custom clients and also creating fashion lines for Mass market brands
CFW : Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Reshma : I often find myself inspired as I design for our clients ….an idea that evolves into a collection …that has been how we have worked for so many yearsRiyaz : I like to keep in tune with International fashion , the mood on the Paris and Milan ramps often translates into what I see in front of me.
CFW : Do you also want time off from the fashion scene specially after hectic schedules?Both : we are addicted to holidays ….and make sure to take off to meet family and friends whenever we get the opportunity .
CFW : Whats your favourite quote?
Reshma :” If u approach Life with wonder, it doesn’t fail to amaze
‘Riyaz : “Life gives U what u work for not just wish for “
When did you decided to get married?
Both : a couple yrs bfr we finally managed
You are now a famous Couple to Reckon within the fashion world and Bollywood industry how does it feel?Riyaz : We have managed to make a place for ourselves and that feels good .Reshma : Its always been what we be loved to do ….so the side effects make me feel super blessed …..to be able to do what u love everyday is the ultimate dream life !
CFW : What are the current Trends of the Market post Covid and what are the challenges ?
Well we re hit by a slow season this year n so have made changes so that we can still cater to our favourite – the wedding trousseau line , are in the process of making our products more accessible online as well as more in keeping with the new social norms which will be with us for some time .The hope is that we can keep up enough work so that those depending on us can survive thru this lean period and we don’t HV to see artisans give up on their traditional and trained skills
How has the clothing Business effected due to covid by when do you see things getting back to normal?Getting back to normal , haha , when the scientists knw , so will we ….but we Do hope and pray Sooner rather than later .The clothing business has been hit hard – when ppl cannot step out , they do not need new clothes; when u cannot celebrate festivals and weddings publicly the need to shop is also reduced greatly …..so it is a trying time for the Garment industry . Praying it passes soon !
CFW : What is the Best advice you will like to give for Budding designers ?
Both : Be ready to work hard and work on ur strengths as well as ur weaknesses , build a good team that will back u up and if u do not see urself as the leader , support one who is .
CFW : Do you think india has enough opportunities for the fashion industry in terms of job creation ?
Both : Well India does have unending possibilities , but they are barely being utilised , the new generation of designers are being trained for communications , styling , production and merchandising as well as technical aspects ……as Design students they need to be aware of what would be the best option and train for that , the positions are there ….HR has to be made aware of how and where designers can be placed to increase their utility. We have a lot of scope even if we r just thinking of just India. Besides that India is still a very uncommon presence in International waters …hopefully we will grow in that area as well.
By Chandigarhfashionweek (CFW)
