Ive been very angry for the past 3 months. I dont know why but Ive been angry and I thought it will be a challenge to translate that aggression through white, says Kallol Datta. And thats why his Spring Summer collection at WIFW 2013 is mostly about blacks and whites mostly the latter actually!
Titled Grotesque Nonsense the pieces of the collection carry Kallols trademark silhouettes, yet you see him trying to play with a colour you will hardly see him wearing- white!
The past year has been a busy one for the angry young man 4 fashion weeks (one in Berlin where he set up a makeshift store for himself too!) is a lot for any designer to handle but Kallol has done it and done it well. In the process he has become famous for quirky prints (heard of mating snails?) and unusual silhouettes. Hows the reaction been to his collections, at home and abroad?
India doesnt get hyper minimalism. If 40 designers were doing it people would get it, right now its just 2-3 of us. For Indian buyers the visual is an attraction. Since I dont do embroideries, I stick to print, its the only visual medium I know, says Kallol.
Kallol says his pieces do better in South India and abroad where there is a tradition and an understanding of wearing cotton as a fabric. Thats mainly because sometimes its difficult for people to understand his price points given that he uses mostly high quality cotton for his creations. The cotton I use is sometimes more expensive than silks and chiffons, adds Kallol.
With a label just 4 years old, the Bangla boy is being smart about doing business. His presence at WIFW almost every season is evidence of the fact. Hes also hired someone to manage his business from this early stage. In addition he is in the process of launching an accessory line. People hesitate before picking up apparel. Its easier to get them to buy a scarf or a bag to introduce them to my brand, Kallol says.
Kallols label Kallol Datta 1955 now sells in 5 countries including India. And that has happened through his continued efforts at WIFW season after season. There is no bigger platform for business than this, he says.
So this season too expect something new, something grungy, and something that pushes the limits at Kallols display of Grotesque Nonsense. He shows at WIFW SS 2013 on Tuesday October 9th.