Stay Ahead of the Trend with Kerala’s Own Talented Fashion Designers

• 04 May 2016
• Fathima AbdulKader
• Features

Keralites need to look no further than these major designers within the major cities in Kerala to meet their style needs.

This article was originally published in FWD Vivah February 2016-September 2016 issue with words by Atheena Wilson and  has been adapted for WtzupCity

The time when the fashion savvy of Kerala took a trip to Mumbai or Delhi for designer wear is long gone. The state is at no lack for talent in the field of fashion design. From the metro city of Kochi, to Trichur the heritage city to Trivandrum the state capital and more; most major cities in Kerala have extraordinary designers with enough ideas to please even the pickiest of customers. Some of the following are the best designers in the state, who spoke to FWD Vivah about their entry into the field of fashion, about their personal style and their current collections in store.

1. Dinu Elizabeth Roy of Aham- Trivandrum
   
   
   Dinu’s stint with designing started in a much known scenario to a lot of women, the act of cutting up and attaching her dupatta to compensate for the part of her brand new salwar that got burnt while ironing it. She is the flag holder for designs that meet individual taste and comfort. The name of the boutique itself means “I” and hence the importance she gives to personal taste is made even more evident.  A lover of simple silhouettes and thread cut works, Dinu has come up with a range of designer wear inspired by the majestic Peacock. Peacock feather embroidery is the main focus of the collection applied to attires ranging from saree, kurtas and gowns.
   View all their works at www.facebook.com/ahamboutique
   Or Book an appointment with them at:
   Kurups Lane, Sasthamanagalam Main Road
    
2. Priya Varma of De-Fab, Kochi
   
   A dreamer from an early age, Priya Varma dreamt of Cinderella like gowns while her peers dreamt of Prince Charming during her school days. She loves thread and pearl works on outfits at a personal level, but thinks that any work should depend on a number of factors ranging from the occasion to the fabric being used to the skin, tone and height of the customer. De-Fab is all set with their latest Goddess Collection that focuses on elegant cuts and sober tones, deviating from the usual trend of jewel tones and excess embellishments. She finds satisfaction in the work she does, when she can meet every whim and notion of a well opinionated new age customer. She loves the interaction with her customers who know what they want and is not willing to compromise on their style.
   View their work at https://www.facebook.com/De-FAB-183478795165125
   Or drop by their shop at Panampilly Nagar,Main Avenue, Kochi +91 9349977077;
    
3. Noushi Fatiz of Fatiz Designs, Calicut, Trichur and Kochi
   
   
   Inspired by the Bollywood divas like Madhuri,Sridevi and and Rekha of her childhood, Noushi designed her first outfit for her sister and herself while she was in seventh grade. An artist from a young age, Noushi frequently drew images of beautiful dressed women in her art works. She is a lover of the classic trend of silks and zari works and does not believe in following a signature style, although her antique works are much recommended by clients She believes that the age old thought of too many cooks spoiled the broth is applicable when it comes to designing a dream outfit. The decisions on how to do the outfit should not be influenced by too many opinions. The latest collection at Fatiz include a range of outfits with Lesage embroidery, as well simple party wears and party wear churidar materials.
   View all their collection at www.facebook.com/fatizbook
   Book an appointment at :
   Ram Mohan Road, Calicut 0495 4010896
   Near M.G.Road, Thrissur 0487-3210896
    Near Fridgehouse Kaloor-Kadavanthra road 0484-2203232
    
4. Femi Kalista of Kalista,Kochi
   
   
   
   Femi entered the field of outfit designing from a purely functional place. She knew the basic of dressmaking and stitched a dress for herself, and little did she know she was entering a world that will end up being her life. Kalista follows a signature style of minimalistic embroidery combined with a less is more approach. Most of the designs have a vintage appeal and classic elegance. Femi is of the personal opinion that designs should not be dictated by trends but focus on high glamour, good choice of fabrics, and sensational choice of colours. The latest designs at Kalista will focus on outfits with more Indo-Western aesthetic.  The idea of using western drifting techniques to Indian fabrics and works is the behind this collection.
   View all their work at www.facebook.com/kalista.cochin
   Drop by Kalista at:
   Shobha road,Palarivattom bypass,cochin 0484-3084999
   Oberon Mall, Edapally,cochin 0484-4022232
   Centre Square Mall ,MG Road,Cochin 0484-4022239
    
5. Anu and Reshma of Label ‘M, Kochi, Calicut, Coimbatore
   
   
   The sisters-in-law Anu and Reshma entered the field of fashion after successfully graduating fashion courses from prominent universities and soon launching their brand Label M. The designer duo holds hand embroidered appliqué or beaded flowers as a favourite embellishment. They are constantly faced by customers who bring Bollywood outfit images or strictly follow the wishes of their family. They have to encourage many customers to consider what would suit their looks and style and to avoid blindly following trends. The latest range at Label M includes outfits inspired by the earthy wine colour Marsala accented with floral embroideries, appliqués and intricate hand and stone works.
      

View all their work at www.facebook.com/LabelM.Cochin
Drop by any of their exclusive boutiques to book an appointment:
Label'M, Vytilla- 0484 4011607,0484 4030842
Label'M, LULU Mall- 0484 4041403
Label'M, Calicut - 0495 2360440
Label'M, Coimbatore - 0422 6556556