It’s official. Paris Haute Couture Week will make a physical return this year with full-fledged presentations and shows in place. Slated to be held from July 5 to July 8 in the alluring French capital, Indian fashion designer Vaishali S will be showcasing her collection at Paris Haute Couture Week along with Rahul Mishra.
Invited as a guest member to showcase in an in-person show, Vaishali is set to lend her traditional yet contemporary silhouettes a global presence. The designer is a household name in fashion known for her ability to lend Indian handwoven textiles, a global design language of expression. While she’s been frequent at New York Fashion Week since 2015, being included in the French calendar checks off one of her dreams. She talks to ELLE about her achievements, the collection she plans to showcase, inspiration and more.
ELLE: Congratulations on being invited to the Paris Haute Couture Week. How do you feel?
Vaishali Shadangule (VS): This has always been a dream for me. My team pushed me to apply, and I thought it had actually come at the right time. The brand was ready in terms of maturity of workmanship and my own maturity in terms of development and sensibility. Also, the things that have always been my pillars have suddenly become mainstream: sustainability, zero waste, circularity and innovation. It has been a long and very professional process. That’s why I am happy to achieve this.
ELLE: Tell us about the collection you’re planning to showcase at PFW. What’s the inspiration behind it?
VS: That will be a surprise for everybody! I really hope I will leave a mark. And then the rest you already know, since it has always been my routine: intricate sustainable artistry directly derived from nature. It will also keep that thread that makes my clients feel the energy of nature in the creations that wrap them.
ELLE: How did you envision using the West Bengal weave and merino wool in this upcoming line?
VS: As usual, it will be in a very personal and new way—slightly perceived at sight but very clear at wearing it. The way I use them, blend them, weave them are part of the unicity of the process that you can feel while wearing.
ELLE: Do you think this opportunity will amplify the global appeal of your brand?
VS: I am thrilled because it will definitely amplify it. This has been achieved by being loyal to my core basics and without running after easier commercial trends. It is the process itself that gained success, and all this will only enhance my effort of bringing our heritage treasures to a larger yet selected and discerning audience.
Photographs: Courtesy of Vaishali Shadangule, Instagram (@vaishalisstudio), Getty Images
