1. Your journey has been unique — from management training to couture. What inspired this transition
My foundation at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore shaped the way I approach fashion, not just as art, but as a disciplined enterprise. Creativity was always deeply rooted in me, but I wanted to build something structured and enduring. In 2013, I founded La Fantaisie in New Delhi with a clear vision: to create couture that is engineered, not improvised. The transition was strategic, not accidental. I combined managerial discipline with craftsmanship, ensuring that every design decision is supported by process, financial clarity and long-term brand positioning.
2. Over 13 years in bridal couture and celebrity styling, what has been your most defining experience?
Working across bridal couture, bespoke groom wear and styling for over 30 Bollywood films has taught me adaptability and emotional intelligence. Designing for celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone demands precision under intense timelines, but bridal couture requires something deeper — trust. A wedding garment carries legacy and vulnerability. My most defining moments are not red-carpet appearances, but when a bride sees herself transformed in a gown engineered exclusively for her story. That emotional exchange is irreplaceable.
3. How do you view the evolution of India’s luxury wedding market today?
India’s luxury wedding industry is maturing. Clients are moving away from excessive embellishment toward structured elegance and international finesse. There is a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, construction and longevity. Brides and grooms today want garments that photograph beautifully but also feel architecturally refined. South India, particularly Chennai, is witnessing a surge in destination and luxury-format weddings, creating space for global couture sensibilities rooted in discipline rather than spectacle.
4. La Fantaisie is known for structural craftsmanship and corsetry-led construction. What differentiates your design philosophy?
At La Fantaisie, every ensemble is built from the inside out. We invest 160–400+ man-hours into a single creation, focusing on sculpted silhouettes and Victorian-inspired European corsetry. Structure defines our language. Rather than relying solely on embellishment, we engineer posture, proportion and architectural form. We also place emphasis on coordinated couture for both bride and groom, ensuring visual harmony across every ceremonial moment. Limited volumes allow us to prioritise precision over production.
5. What key learnings have shaped you as a woman entrepreneur in fashion?
One of my biggest learnings is that discipline sustains creativity. Fashion may appear glamorous, but it demands operational rigour, financial planning and consistency. I have also learned the importance of protecting brand identity. In a trend-driven industry, staying true to structural couture has helped La Fantaisie maintain clarity and distinction. Building a strong, skilled team and investing in craftsmanship have been fundamental to long-term growth.
6. As you establish your flagship couture house in Chennai, what does the future hold?
The Chennai flagship marks a strategic expansion into South India’s evolving luxury wedding market. My vision extends beyond seasonal collections. I am building a legacy-driven fashion ecosystem with La Fantaisie at its core. The focus will remain on disciplined design, architectural construction and redefining modern Indian weddings through craftsmanship rather than spectacle. Growth for us means influence and excellence, not mass scale.
7. What message would you like to share with young fashion entrepreneurs?
Do not chase visibility before building capability. Invest time in mastering, understanding business fundamentals and defining your brand DNA. Education and discipline are powerful assets. My training at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore gave me strategic clarity that many creatives overlook. Fashion is not sustained by trends; it is sustained by consistency, integrity and patience. Build slowly, build honestly, and let craftsmanship become your strongest marketing tool.
