In this sizzling issue, Grazia’s International Beauty Editor – Kaniz Ali interviews award winning british indian designer Saran Kohli. Saran opens up to Kaniz talking about everything SARAN.
KANIZ: Talk to us about your background
SARAN: My journey started in the creative industry at the age of 13 as a dancer, which exposed me to different fields including music, dance and theatre. 3 years on, I formed my own dance group called Snach, who performed hip hop and contemporary pieces and toured globally. Whilst being a choreographer and dancer, I studied Fashion Business Management at London College of Fashion (UAL) and during this time, my love for design and styling in particular grew into a career. I began by collaborating with artists in the music industry, designing and creating stage outfits for them to now owning my self-named menswear label and also collaborating with other brands as a Creative Director.
KANIZ: What had inspired you to head into the world of fashion ?
SARAN: I have been exposed to the fashion world from the moment I can remember as my mother is a successful womenswear designer. I have grown up watching my mother run her own business spanning over three countries, work with craftsmen, learn intricate techniques and interact with various clients on a daily basis. She has been my biggest inspiration.
KANIZ: What inspired you to become a fashion designer ?
SARAN: It was at the age of just 17 years old, where I choreographed my mother’s fashion show, that made me realize that fashion is where I wanted to be but in all honesty, designing was not my forte. The art of product making is my passion. From designing an ensemble, pattern templates and stitching to conceptualizing a shoot. In my mind, I am not just a designer but a creative director.
KANIZ: What aspect of designing do you enjoy the most ?
SARAN: My favourite part must be fabric sourcing from different parts of the world. Coming across unusual patterns and textures that inspire you to create something unique. Also, mood boarding for my clients.
KANIZ: Could you tell me your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a designer ?
SARAN: My greatest strength is my imagination as a designer – I can look at someone and see what suits them right away and then create that very piece for them. My weakness is my procrastination when it comes to thinking about a design and the final look. I have worked on this over time and through experience I have become carefree about taking risks with designing.
KANIZ: What have been your favourite moments as a designer ?
SARAN: Awarded “Best new-comer” in fashion design at the prestigious international Asian fashion awards in 2011 by Manish Malhotra.
• Curating designs for many musicians over the years. JLS, Jay Sean, Ashley Walters (So Solid Crew) to name a few.
• During Covid, I designed a face mask inspired by Vitiligo, a condition I have that gained attraction and went viral.
• Being one of the costume designers for Marvel’s movie Eternals.
KANIZ: How do you maintain your physical and emotional health while working on demanding projects ?
SARAN: I have some non-negotiables to maintain my physical and emotional health – Sleeping 8 hours, listening to music in the day, playing sports or dance training on a weekly basis and ensuring I eat balanced meals each day as well as indulge when I want to!
KANIZ: What has been your favourite projects to date and why ?
SARAN: • Being one of the costume designers for Marvel’s movie Eternals. As a Marvel fan, this was a dream come true moment to be a part of the Marvel Universe.
• Being a partner in Entouraaj (a menswear lifestyle magazine founded in 2012) with Gary Singh, as this was a concept ahead of its time and launched the South Asian blogger space for men.
• Designing Uniforms for the globally recognized Taj Hotel Group (St James Court) as this opportunity allowed me to create and design in a new sector – hospitality and build a new offering as a business.
• Designing Dance Costumes (in collaboration with Nileeka Bose) for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations at Windsor Castle as this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
KANIZ: What’s your favourite moment in your career ?
SARAN: The most memorable moment in my career was meeting one of my favourite icons, Sachin Tendulkar, and designing a tuxedo for him.
KANIZ: How do you handle criticism in the industry ?
SARAN: I take it as advice and work on it when it is constructive criticism and when it is not, I let it go.
KANIZ: If Saran was not a fashion designer what would he be?
SARAN: I would be either be an Actor or a Cricketer – my other two passions.
KANIZ: What do you like doing in your spare time ?
SARAN: Dancing, Playing Sports, Travelling, listening to music and as I’m a foodie, I love trying new dishes, restaurants and cuisines.
KANIZ: What is the best advice you would give to someone starting new in the world of fashion ?
SARAN: As cliché as it sounds, it is imperative that you are true to yourself, remain a student and keep learning and be passionate about the industry as it will help you evolve and grow
