You have been showing in London for the last four seasons, and now you have been invited to Paris. What’s your next big step?
Paris it is. I intend to settle down in Paris, show there consistently, so that people get used to me. I will need to do the usual — find an investor, become a brand there and bring out my line. London, of course, was the perfect base for someone like me. London is very encouraging to new people, especially from India, where we’re not used to international fashion weeks.

There are more than 130 designers who show at India Fashion Week. What do you think makes you the chosen one? What are the combinations that have worked in your favour?
I’m true to my work, honest to what I do. I have used India as an advantage, keeping the international audience in mind. I make extensive use of Indian textiles and weave my own fabrics. I go scouting in Banaras and use block printing and Indian embroidery. I’ve also been promoting Indian pop culture — like the time I used the cover of Cine Blitz magazine on my clothes.

You are one of the few Indian designers to have managed corporate tie-ups. Is that an area of focus for you?
It is the only way to go. You have to link your brand with corporate biggies if you want to reach a worldwide market. After Reebok, I’m now working on a tie-up with Mac Cosmetics. There are more such arrangements in the pipeline.

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