Howrah Bridge by Anupriya DG

Quirky. Fun. Pretty. Vibrant. Kitschy. Pop. Different. Fashionable. Affordable.

Well I featured her design in this post previously. The only ethnic piece I have bought in years is from her brand Howrah Bridge. Here's an interview I did with my friend and fashion designer Anupriya DG somewhere early in November

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A - Well. I'm a designer by profession, stylist by passion, blogger by hobby, writer by choice, photographer by enthusiasm, bookworm by habit and shopaholic by spirit. Oh! And a romantic at heart... :)

2. What made you want to be a fashion designer?
A - I don't really know since when I actually 'wanted' to be a fashion designer. I had been doodling designs of dresses on my notepads since high school days and much to the chagrin & shock of my parents & teachers, the NID & NIFT entrance exams were the only ones I sat for after my higher secondary.

3. Why not choose a conventional profession?
A - I pursued the Science stream after 10th and everyone around me, including my friends, teachers, uncles & aunts were certain that I would be dabbling in some scientific subject or the other for my higher studies. But I, for one, was not someone who could be the conventional engineer or doctor. I was not the least bothered to sit for the IIT or WB Joint entrance exams that all my friends seemed eager to appear for. I knew where my heart lay and I literally had to fight with my parents to follow my dreams. Creativity was a hobby I not only enjoyed, but savored and I knew that I would be happiest taking it up as a career choice.

4. Why do you think fashion and style are important (if you do think that)?
A - Frankly speaking, I don't deem fashion to be that important (Yes! That's coming from a fashion designer!)....but style....now that's a different ball game altogether! The great Yves St. Laurent had said, "Fashion fades, style is eternal..." and was he right! I think a person's individual style is very important as a portrayal of his or her personality, attitude & confidence. You need not always follow trends or swear by brands, even if you wear clothes thrifted from street stalls, flaunt them with flair, put your own touch of individuality in them & carry them with confidence to grab eyeballs wherever you go!

5. How would you describe your signature style? Who are your inspirations?
A - My style is kind of eclectic - traditional, simple, unique, vibrant, kitschy, quirky, fun & wearable - all in one. The clothes I design are ones that I can carry off with ease myself.

I find inspiration in all that is around me - a story in a book, raindrops on leaves, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the torn posters adorning the roadsides of Calcutta, the awe-inspiring fashion sensibility of talented individuals in my own country as well as abroad, Alexander McQueen, the almost-tangible energy in the atmosphere of Mumbai, the waves of the sea as they roll back taking grains of sand & memories along, Maharani Gayatri Devi, the palette of blues & greens painted on a hilly landscape, the taste of chocolate melting in my mouth, the way his fingers intertwine with mine setting a rush of love coursing through my veins, Audrey Hepburn, art in all forms.....I could just go on & on......

6. A fashion pet peeve.
A - People following trends blindly, regardless of whether they suit them or not. Just because something is 'in' fashion or is being seen on runways doesn't mean that it'll look as good on you! D-uh!!

7. How do you envision the future for your brand Howrah Bridge?
A - No idea! I'm taking one small step at a time....and living each day as it comes! :)
Howrah Bridge is my dream, my passion, my baby - and I just want to take it to the highest rung of the creative ladder. I wish the day will come when someone far away will take one look at someone else's dress and say, "Oh! You are wearing Howrah Bridge!" *high hopes...sigh*

And here's Sayantani modelling for Howrah Bridge

I love the polka dotted scalloped edges

Check her designs out and tell me what you think guys!