Conversation

Feminine flair

She is among a handful of designers whose distinct signature style makes clothes instantly recognizable. FWD chats with the free-spirited designer Shradha Murarka whose collections are for the modern and unconventional Indian women.

Published

11 years ago

April 30, 2014

FWDmedia

Shradha Murarka, Creative Director and Designer of Vizyon, believes in creating clothes that can make a statement and leave an everlasting impression. Her signature brands of western wear and resort wear that are known for its rich colour and precision cuts are integral to her aesthetics.

What got you into the fashion industry?
I have always been inclined towards fashion, art and creativity. Fashion has taken my fancy since I was young. So when I got the right opportunity, I launched my own brand ‘Vizyon’.

You established the label “Vizyon’ in the year 2006. What was the line of clothing you had in mind then?
When I started Vizyon, shopping for strictly western outfits was almost impossible abroad. Either the necklines were too plunging or the hemlines too rocketing or the fabric was not weather-friendly. And so I launched Vizyon to adapt western ensembles for the global Indian woman, crafting style statements rather than mere clothes. My vision was to present lots of style, exclusivity and very high quality.
Colour or cut, shape or silhouette, the idea from the start was immensely international. One quick glance and the latest trends come to the fore in a flash. True to forecasts, Vizyon’s collections feature the current craze, dresses, peplums, skirts, jumpsuits, tunics, cocktail gowns, etc.

Could you brief the evolution of designer wear in an ethnic city like Kolkata; the style switch from cotton saris to western wear?
Kolkata’s fashion quotient has evolved to a great extent in the past few years. Kolkata is fast making its mark on the fashion map. The style switch from cotton saris to western wear has happened, thanks to modern fashionistas who got lured to experimental and creative innovations in design.

What made you name the label ‘Vizyon’?
Vizyon means ‘vision’ in French. The brand is my vision of high end global fashion. It was my dream to have an international brand that assures high quality apparel.

Where do your designs get inspiration from?
My inspiration is anything that appeals to me, a style element that touches the heart and takes my fancy.

How do you have the classic and international fashion go hand-in-hand?
I believe the beauty of a woman lies in how one styles herself. Today, women are well traveled… Today’s woman identifies herself in every occasion, lifestyle and mood…So personal style definitely plays an important role here.

Your resort collection ‘Marine Rhapsody’ is a sea-inspired resort-wear collection, Could you share with us more about it?
Taking cues from the ocean – its colours, the ebb and flow of tides, I created this collection to reflect the ease, and languid sophistication of a summer spent by the sea. ‘Marine Rhapsody’ is a ready-to-wear- resort collection, made up of pieces like tunics, short dresses, dress shirts, kaftans, halter/cowl tops, skirts and sleeveless jackets in innovative cuts. The silhouettes are easy to wear, and can take you from day to night. From African motifs to zebra stripes, to feminine florals such as exuberant bougainvillea to bold prints, the collection is vibrant, fun and unique.

I believe it also serves as a day-to-night style wear; a perfect beach wear all day and a pub wear in the evening. ….
For this collection, we worked with fabrics such as vivid georgettes, soft and flowy crepes, satins and sheer organza to craft a fluid, relaxed vibe. Embellishments in gold, antique details, pearls and scattered embroidery lent it a touch of opulence. So you could easily wear pieces from this collection on holiday- to a brunch, to work, and then to a cocktail party.

Tell us more about the French laces and prints from Italy you work with. How do they enhance the overall look of Vizyon’s resort wear?
At Vizyon, we pay very close attention to details. Our fabrics are the focus. Spanish lace, French chiffon, cotton mesh, neoprene, net, light velvet, satin, faux furs etc are used individually or fused as layers in our collections. And we emphasis a lot on styling…nets combined cleverly with geometric prints, ribbon-work and delicate shaded lace.

Share your expertise on how to accessorize a resort wear……
One of the most stylish ways to accessorize any resort wear outfit is by wearing a hat. They are fashionable as well as functional. Using skinny belts help define your waistline, while low-slung belts disguise hips and midriffs. Hobos, totes and bucket style handbags are perfect for daytime excursions and also offer a convenient place to stash sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. For evening galas, adorn your outfit with a mini gold or silver evening clutch.
Opt for multi-coloured stones or beads that help you add to your tropical look. Shoes should always be comfortable. Embellished and adorned flip- flops and thongs, with or with heels, or ballerina flats are great daytime looks. Kitten heel slides and strappy sandals are the perfect companions for hours of dancing under moonlit skies or late night intimate dinners. Lastly, do not use all the above accessories together on any outfit.

While the resort wear industry is still carving a niche for itself in the fashion market, how far do you think the Indian resort wear can meet the Western standards?
The world over, resort wear has grown as an independent industry with international labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada and Dolce and Gabbana bringing forward the best of their designs.
Indian fashion is constantly evolving and we are seeing many interesting advances, right from the revival of Indian textiles to the reinvention of bridal wear from over the top pieces of yesterday to today’s contemporary creations. And now, we are witnessing the emergence of resort wear.
With young promising designers of our country, I am happy to say that we are quite at par with the western standards of the resort wear industry. Creativity at its best with exquisite designs is displayed in swimwear, resort wear and luxury lounge-wear in some of the most coveted designer collections of the country.
Many Indian designers are showcasing their creativity in this arena, as resort wear designers have often been overlooked in the past.

How bold are Indian women for resort wear?
With the steady change in people’s lifestyle, most urban and semi-urban women are no longer confined to salwar-kameezes. They have altered their perception and have turn out to be independent and bold. Many women shy away from fashionable clothing fearing their plus size appearance, but the plus point with resort wear in contrast to a fitted sheath dress is its design destined to hide flabs. So who knows, it may take some time, but resort wear might just turn out to be the new salwar-kameez for the woman of India.

Do you design for both men and women?
I only design for women.

Where can we bag ‘Vizyon’ label apparel?
Vizyon is housed at 23A Ballygunge Place in Kolkata. Besides, the pieces are also available at the Peepul Showroom in Mumbai. Vizyon takes part in a lot of exhibitions that help us reach our target audience across the country. We are also looking at developing e-commerce and should be available online soon.

Upcoming collections…..
We have just launched Vizyon’s Spring/Summer’14 collection with neoprene fabrics and solid colours. Featuring neoprene fabric, this collection showcases the many ways to reinvent this new textile, which exudes sensuality and femininity for the woman of today. Creating structured silhouettes with this fabric, the collection includes dresses, skater skirts, peplum tops and easy jackets in a myriad of vibrant colours that maintain classic shapes. With an essence of modernity and fun, vibrant colours and prints, this collection includes fashion forward styles and staple separates to ensure sartorial elegance for the Vizyon woman!

Quickies

When does a passion-driven designer reach exhaustion?
Being very passionate about designing, I am constantly learning and getting inspired by people, cultures, and works of art by other talented people. Of course, there are highs and occasional toned down moods, but I believe one should relentlessly be inspired to keep their passion alive.
Celebs who have flaunted your apparels…..
Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Kajol, Frieda Pinto, Lisa Haydon, Raveena Tandon, Neha Dhupia, Malaika Arora Khan, Evelyn Sharma….

Ramps you’ve walked…..
Lakme Fashion Week

1) How often do you spend time in revamping your wardrobe?
My personal style is reflected through Vizyon and I enjoy wearing the classic pieces from it.

2) Your favourite cuisine…
Thai and Japanese

3) A travel destination that contributed a lot to your profession……
France!

4) A gadget you can’t have your hands off…..
Definitely my iphone!

Conversation

Netflix’s Cleopatra: A Controversial Provocation Egypt Could Do Without

Published

2 years ago

May 21, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

In the realm of streaming content, Netflix’s Cleopatra has recently grabbed attention, trending on most-watched charts amidst a contrived controversy over the casting of a Black actress in the iconic titular role. Produced by Jada Pinkett-Smith, this installment is the second in her ‘African Queens’ series, which has stirred debates surrounding representation and historical accuracy. However, the current state of Egypt, grappling with numerous challenges, suggests that this provocative series is the last thing the nation needs.

The portrayal of Cleopatra has always been intertwined with fascination and debate, particularly centered around her appearance rather than her race, in historical accounts. The Hollywood industry, historically dominated by white executives, had marginalized Black talent, deeming them unmarketable and unworthy of significant roles. The industry’s limited embrace of Black stories in the past was primarily driven by profit rather than genuine progressivism.

In the case of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra, the casting of a Black performer in the lead role was destined to ignite controversy, especially among Egyptians increasingly hostile towards Afrocentrism. However, the preceding installment of the ‘African Queens’ series, Njinga, did not generate significant interest or impact, lacking the depth to stimulate intellectual discourse.

Director Tina Gharavi’s previous works, while sincere in their storytelling, did not display visionary filmmaking challenging the conventional Anglophone documentary style. Despite this, Netflix and Pinkett-Smith effectively employed marketing tactics, leveraging the race card to generate buzz around Cleopatra, ultimately leading to its elevated position in the charts.

Disappointingly, Queen Cleopatra fails to offer any fresh insights into the Egyptian icon. The four episodes follow a predictable and formulaic narrative structure, focusing on Cleopatra’s rise and fall without delving into her race. The series, featuring medium close-up interviews with academics predominantly from American and British institutions, coupled with lackluster dramatizations, fails to engage viewers or provide an aesthetically distinct perspective.

The show’s emphasis on Cleopatra’s physical beauty and sensationalized elements aligns with Netflix’s faux-liberal gender and sexual politics, which are often presented simplistically and lacking depth. While the representation of minority groups in film and TV is an important concern, solely focusing on representation can overshadow other vital aspects, such as artistry, film history, and the political use of aesthetics.

Critics and viewers fixated on the racial depiction of Cleopatra, generating substantial media coverage and overlooking the artistic value and storytelling approaches employed in the series. Amidst the heightened racial discourse, the nuances of Egypt’s complex relationship with blackness have been lost. Egypt’s struggle with economic crises, political challenges, and external influences leaves the nation feeling helpless and disheartened.

In its current state of turmoil, Egypt seeks a savior and is grappling with collective defeat, making the Netflix provocation an unwelcome addition. The nation, deprived of agency and self-determination, holds onto its historical heritage, which has been plundered by the West for centuries. In such circumstances, a reframing of their own history, even in the form of a fictional series, elicits a strong reaction from a nation grappling with numerous challenges.

Ultimately, while the casting controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra has sparked discussions on representation and historical accuracy, Egypt’s broken state and desperate need for stability and self-determination make this provocative series an unnecessary and untimely distraction.

Conversation

Unleashing the Power: Scorpio Lunar Eclipse on May 5th Signals Major Transformation Ahead

Published

2 years ago

May 5, 2023

Keerthi Thilakan

The cosmos are gearing up for a powerful event: the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio. This celestial spectacle promises to be a transformative experience that will shake us to the core. As the full moon aligns with the sun and the Earth casts its shadow, Scorpio’s dark and intense energy will be unleashed, inviting us to confront our deepest fears and desires.

Scorpio, known for its enigmatic nature and passionate intensity, is the zodiac’s most enigmatic and mysterious sign. It’s associated with death, rebirth, and transformation, making this lunar eclipse an auspicious time for letting go of old patterns and embracing a new, more authentic way of being. The Scorpio energy is all about digging deep into the shadows, exploring our subconscious minds, and facing the truth no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

During this lunar eclipse, we can expect intense emotions to surface, bringing to light buried feelings and hidden desires. Scorpio’s energy is not one to shy away from the taboo or the uncomfortable, and neither should we. It’s time to confront the parts of ourselves that we’ve been keeping hidden, and to embrace our true selves.

As we navigate this intense energy, it’s important to remember to practice self-care and self-love. Scorpio’s energy can be overwhelming, so be sure to take breaks and ground yourself when needed. The lunar eclipse is an opportunity for growth and transformation, but it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to harness this energy and make the most of this powerful celestial event.

In conclusion, the May 5th lunar eclipse in Scorpio is a powerful and transformative event that promises to shake us to our core. It’s an opportunity to face our fears, embrace our desires, and transform ourselves from the inside out. So, get ready to unleash your inner Scorpio and embrace the intensity of this celestial event.

Art

8 Best Podcasts of 2020

Published

4 years ago

November 27, 2020

Abhirami Chandran

To the people who doesn’t know what a podcast is- it’s pretty much like a radio show and is released in a streamable or downloadable format through various sites. You can access to millions of podcasts in many genres from anywhere you have internet access.

Here’s a list of podcasts for you to listen:

The Musafir Stories – India Travel Podcast

The Musafir Stories is a wonderful online podcast that talks about iconic and, in fact, all sorts of travel destinations. The podcast series is hosted by Saif Omar and Faiza Khan who talk to fellow travellers about their various adventures across India.
Available on iTunes, Google podcasts, JioSaavn, and Spotify.

https://themusafirstories.com/

Second Life

This online podcast is hosted by Hillary Kerr from the well-known fashion publication Who What Where and it chronicles the career changes of its many guests. It spotlights successful women who’ve made major career changes.

You can listen to her episodes on Apple podcast, Spotify, and Podbean.

https://www.secondlifepod.com/

In The Dark

In The Dark’s content is about uncovering the world’s most iconic crime cases. In short, it’s an investigative journalism podcast, hosted and narrated by Madeleine Baran.

You can listen to it on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, and Podbean.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/american-public-media/in-the-dark-apm

The Passion People Podcast

The Passion People Podcast is a series of conversations about following a passion and how to manifest it. There are several conversations with experts, entrepreneurs, and icons that inspire the listeners, and the show is hosted by Naga Subramanya.

You can find the podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, and JioSaavn.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/naga-subramanya-b-b/the-passion-people-podcast

GayBCD

GayBCD is an online podcast that seeks to understand what it means to be queer in today’s time. It’s hosted by Sunetro Lahiri and Farhad Karkaria and is created by IVM Podcasts. You can expect to find funny and comforting discussions about coming out and how a sense of humour, wisdom, and parlance play such an important role in understanding yourself better as a person.

This podcast series is easily available on YouTube, Stitcher, JioSaavn, and Apple Podcast.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/indus-vox/gaybcd

Harry Potter at Home

Harry Potter At Home is a new series by the Wizarding World that has famous names from entertainment, music, and sports reading chapters from Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone, and the magic is still alive. They currently have the first two chapters out – the first by Daniel Radcliffe and the second by Noma Dumezweni.

You can listen to the series on Spotify and a video version is available on Wizarding World.

https://open.spotify.com/show/2JUljwaD9fNSeq8Vy3UAUp

Maed in India

Maed in India prides itself on being India’s first indie music podcast and features conversations with, well, independent musicians from India and abroad. From unreleased music to unknown music stories, they have it all. It’s great for discovering new music, too.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, JioSaavn, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

https://maedinindia.fanlink.to/podcast

The Corner Flag

Indian fans of the European and Worldwide football can rejoice in this chat show about sports with comedian Amogh Ranadive. If you like hearing commentary on the latest Premiere league (or other) antics with an Indian twist this might just be the Indian chat show for you.