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LUSH THE MAGAZINE (Interview of Vandana talwar )
Fashion Spotlight: Evanna Fashion House rises high with it’s style quotient
August 22, 2016
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Jamie Dave
A woman of substance and a successful entrepreneur, Vandana Talwar launched her label Evanna Fashion House in 2011. Born out of linking her edgy fashion sense and versatile designs, her brand has fast become popular among woman who are looking for innovative designer clothing. Vandana pays attention to harmonize classic tailoring with a touch of edginess to its silhouette. Beautiful detailing and hues truly reflect the spirit of its thrill- seeking and adventurous founder. Evanna Fashion House, a boutique that defines pure class and is synonymous to avant -garde fashion is generating wide level of curiosity in Singapore. LUSH spoke to Vandana about her passion, her company and her aspirations.
Lush : What was your objective and inspiration when you first launched your label?
Vandana: Owning a label is a dream of every fashion student. A lot of time goes into research and development. It took me 2 years to gather courage and face the reality post my graduation. In 2011, I started my own label – Evanna Fashion House and thereafter I’ve never looked back. My main objective was to put what I learnt during my graduation into practice. It was time to face the world and give my best. I also had to make sure that there was enough brand awareness among women where I hoped to enhance their features via beautiful details, nice cuts, quality fabrics and flattery silhouettes.
Gathering much grit, I kicked off with my venture, created an online boutique and took part in various exhibitions in Singapore. I’ve done 10 fashion shows in Singapore and I recently showcased my Spring / Summer collection at the International Fashion Week in Miami, Florida, USA.
Lush: Just out of curiosity, why didn’t you label your brand after your name?
Vandana: To me, one uses their name when people are aware of who you are and what you do. Otherwise, it doesn’t really give you any advantage but when your brand name is 'Agragrami', it’s one of a kind. Something different, appealing and definitely gets people curious. The word “Agragrami” literally means innovative. just how I like my creations to be, something exceptionally interesting where the wearer feels extremely special.
Lush: You’re exceptionally creative, what 5 things according to you would be a trend in 2017?
Vandana: I personally don’t abide by trends. A trend just serves as a guideline and must not be followed blindly rather one must flaunt their personal style in order to be unique. A strong self-identification and personality takes you a long way. As they say, confidence is the key – you need not be a fashionista but being comfortable in your own skin will automatically bring out the best in you.
Lush: How does your creative thought process roll?
Vandana: I am open- minded in what I do. I love experimenting with looks which in turn makes me very adventurous and bold. There is a lot of trial and error and I tend to explore unique variations and combinations before giving it for production. I really enjoy the entire process, its fun and there is a sense of job satisfaction and achievement within. I also make sure that customer feedback is taken positively and that makes me work much harder.
Lush: What is the process like between design and production?
Vandana: I am highly inspired by art, paintings, books, music and literally everything. Inspiration is everywhere and I absorb everything I can. I think through my inspiration board and ideas and form a theme. Once this is formed, I go into the details of fabric selection, illustrations, drafting, sampling and last is the execution i.e. production. I am a risk taker and I don’t follow norms but instead tend to think out of the box.
Lush: Your label was born for the woman of today who are confident, well – traveled and know what they want in life. What makes a woman smart and modern according to you?
Vandana: This smart and modern woman is ready for a change; she welcomes new challenges and is willing to step out of her comfort zone. She doesn’t follow trends blindly as she knows exactly what she wants and how. She is financially and emotionally independent and is ready to explore new things.
Lush: What would you suggest to the budding designers of today whether to follow trends or follow their own principles?
Vandana: It’s tricky to be honest because it totally depends on which direction the designer is meaning to take the brand. Quick money is rightly earned via following latest trends but that puts you in a spot as you’ll be competing with the fast fashion brands as well. On the other hand, if you follow your own ideals – it’s hard initially as you have to create a niche for yourself.
Lush: Anything you’d like to add about your label?
Vandana: Evanna Fashion House is a women’s clothing boutique that caters to the woman of today. It defines class, exclusivity and quality. It isn’t a fast fashion brand, we do not mass produce but instead we look into every element of the customer needs and wants. We also have personal styling services which allows our clients to find what suits them the best, be it the fit, style or color. Customer service is of utmost importance to us so we make sure the finest quality products and services are executed. We also offer exclusive pieces under Evanna Fashion House Exclusives and make sure no piece is duplicated. The pieces are timeless and represent innovation, class and elegance. Keeping up with the current trends, we assure show stopping outfits!
Vandana Talwar showcased one of her collection @singapore jewel festival
Source: Tabla!
WHEN it comes to fashion, anything goes. In our globalised world, no one would blink an eye at a creative mix and match... well, unless your sparkling jewel causes them to.As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Singapore JewelFest, the Indian Women’s Association (IWA) presented Designers Adorn Divas on Oct 18, a runway show that showcased contemporary jewellery matched with the latest trends in Indian couture from Singaporean and Indian fashion designers.The show brought together designers who have moved base from India with home-grown labels to inspire, as part of the IWA’s goal to integrate local women entrepreneurs with the expatriate Indian community.IWA vice-president Sharmila Arora, who curated the show with fellow IWA member Varuna Gupta, told tabla!: “The choice of jewellery to match the designers’ outfits is mainly to create a contemporary look which is not necessarily traditional Indian.“The outfits, though designed by Indian designers of Singapore, are catering to ladies who are getting ready for the oncoming festivities. They are for those who are happy to make a fashion statement, not necessarily within the ‘˜norms’ of traditional Indian attire.‘The photographs on these pages show contemporary jewel pieces from Lee Hwa Jewellery, Goldheart Jewelry, TianPo Jewellery as well as Singapore-based Indian jewellers The Jewel Box and Vihari matched with both traditional and modern Indian fashion.The precious baubles were paired with the couture designs of Sonali Jain of Divine Raga, Neita Sehgal of Emage Storr, Dina Thacker of Ishka, Kuljinder Kaur of Jinder’s and Vandana Talwar of Agragrami Fashion House.This year’s festival is held in two editions, the second edition which started on Oct 17 will feature European labels, such as Zancan Italian Jewellery from Italy and Lode Martens from Belgium, which will be showcasing their collections.Ishka’s luxurious sari, designed by Dina Thacker, is matched with the extravagant diamond creations by Vihari Jewels (right). Adding oomph to the look is a necklace made of white and yellow diamonds, set in 18k white, yellow and rose gold. It weighs a surprising 282g. The necklace is complemented by a pair of white and yellow diamond earrings set in 18k white and yellow gold and a bracelet, also adorned with white and yellow diamonds.There is no better way to mark the year of the dragon than with jewels. The Jewel Box, a local private jeweller, has designed a Dragon Necklace (right) made of South Sea pearls and diamonds set on 14K gold.The designers at The Jewel Box wanted to recreate the magic and flexibility of the mythical creature so that the individual pieces are able to rest comfortably on the wearer.The hand-crafted necklace is matched beautifully with this teal two-piece creation from Agragrami Fashion House helmed by locally trained designer Vandana Talwar known for her avant garde bent.Brides, you might want to consider this ensemble (left), for your wedding trousseau. This ornate stone-and sequin-studded design by Kuljinder Kaur of Jinder’s is amped up by Goldheart Jewelry’s Amaranth Majesty Necklace, one of its showstoppers at this year’s JewelFest. The necklace made of pear-shaped peach-pink Morganites, also known as pink emeralds, and clustered with 1,173 diamonds is set in white gold. The Morganite lays claim to complementing any skin tone. This ensemble is matched with a pair Goldheart’s Colourella earrings made of diamond and coloured stones and given an extra sparkle with the jeweller’s Regalia Bracelet.It is Indian panache with a dash of Italian style. This lengha set (right) by Neita Sehgal of Emage Storr gets an Italian twist with TianPo’s Jewellery’s Marco Bicego collection. The five-strand Marrakech diamond necklace set in 18K gold sets off the colour and details of the suit matched by the five-strand, hand-engraved 18k gold bracelet with mixed semi-precious stones.Adding a pop of drama is TianPo’s diamond and gold RG Gems ring.Divinity and joy come together in this ensemble (right) as Lee Hwa Jewellery’s Joyful Devotion diamonds and blue sapphires necklace set in white gold, with the matching pair of earrings, drapes Divine Raga’s sari piece, designed by Sonali Jain. Definitely one for the dinner party circuit this festive season.