After Rahul Mishra it is now Vaishali Shadangule who will be showcasing her couture collection at the forthcoming Paris Couture Week Autumn-Winter 2021 scheduled from 5th to the 8th of July 2021. She is in the ‘By Invitation’ category alongside Balenciaga.
Vaishali had to go through an extensive and exhaustive vetting process by the Federation de la Haute Couture before her application got accepted and was invited to the Paris Couture Week. Vaishali’s fashion ethos is strongly hinged on handwoven textiles of India and intricate handwork that qualifies her creations as ‘wearable art’. Her look is essentially sculpted with a diaphanous fabric body decorated with braids and threads to create various moulded forms and shapes.
We spoke with Vaishali Shadangule about her debut at the coveted Paris Couture Week where she’ll be doing a physical ramp show. Here are the excerpts:
JG: You have been on the international map and have been participating in the New York Fashion Week. Participation at Paris Couture Week undoubtedly is a designer’s ultimate dream. How was the process with the Federation de la Haute Couture? Were they more focussed on the handwoven textiles and handwork that you extensively use? Were they also probed into the global appeal of your creations and the silhouettes that you would be presenting?
VS: I am especially happy to have been selected. A typically professional process led to it. Since we are talking about Haute Couture in Paris, the overall picture that satisfies the couture show for the Federation had to be met.
It was a mix of factors that they were interested in. The attention to top end craftsmanship (in handwoven textiles, great hand work, savvy draping), innovation in the silhouettes that translates into daring creativity, sustainability, social impact, and that “slow fashion” is BACK in fashion.
JG: Balenciaga is also the other invited label at the forthcoming Couture Week. Your fashion ethos is very ‘architectural’ and you would agree that even Balenciaga has ‘architectural and sculpted’ silhouettes’. Do you feel energised by the fact that you have been clubbed with an iconic name?
VS: I rather found it quite funny to be a debutant with Balenciaga! Rather I feel very energised to be showcasing among all those fifteen top icons. And a bit scared. You know me, I definitely want to make a mark, but here we are talking about the pillars of couture of the last one century. On the other hand I am sure I will learn immensely.
JG: I Wouldn’t ask you about the collection that you will showcase but if you may throw some light on the textiles that you would be using and the traditional craft or handwork that you would be using? Also if you may provide some insight on the silhouettes.
VS: In all my collections I always try to insert some novelty in each hand weave that I have been reviving constantly, to keep giving the weavers work.
In this case though we are talking about winter in Paris, so I am focusing on some new blends and reviving some older ones.
Silhouettes will be unique. Paris Haute Couture allows you a little bit more freedom of expression, and this is very exciting. I Am planning to use will and create exotic gowns. I Am going to showcase twenty five ensembles at my show.
JG: Have you decided on the venue where you will be showcasing your collection?
VS: Not yet. This year the Federation is offering multiple options in terms of formats. Some designers are showcasing digital format and some physical. I am doing a physical ramp show and am working on the venue.
JG: Kindly share your thoughts on Haute Couture fashion and the market for it in present difficult times. Also if you may share your retail network for Vaishali S Couture in India and abroad.
VS: Needless to say, it has been a difficult year, especially for couture for which you need parties to show off and a lot of bespoke work with the client.
Nevertheless it has been a very important year in self-development, with more time to think and take further steps in one’s own journey.
Technology has and will help a lot, and my personal journey with Nature is helping a lot. People have gotten closer and more sensible to Nature, and my creations actually help you feel this union.
I have a selected list of personal clients across the world, especially in Italy and the US, and one of boutiques in Milan that understands my work well.
Text by Jaydeep Ghosh
Image Courtesy: Vaishali Shadangule
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