With simplicity being her mantra, Prachi Kamat, a de-signer who passed out from the School of Fashion Technology, Pune, in 2007, has been following her dream of creating Indian wear and fusion wear.
Danuska Da Gama
Having worked as an assistant costume designer for films for a few years, Kamat moved back to Goa three years ago. Sharing more about her tryst with the world of cinema, she reveals that she was initially introduced to this field by her mentor Ken Fernandes. Designer Ashley Rebello then guided her, and she went on to work in a variety of films from big-budget blockbusters to indie productions where she became enamoured with the way in which costumes convey a character’s essence and how this could shape a narrative.
“The exposure of creating garments in hours, getting fittings done, churning out 200+ saree blouses for a set of dancers within a week, was all fun and exciting,” she recalls.
The first film she worked on was the Aftab Shivdasani starrer ‘Sabe Peeche Hum Khade’, where she learned to drape sarees from actress Rati Agnihotri. She then went on to work in films like ‘Bodyguard ‘ and the ‘Dabaang’ series, among several others, between 2008 and 2013. “I also did personal projects for ads in Marathi, working with costumes for poster designs of concerts and grabbed all opportunities that came my way as I was eager to learn and work. I enjoyed that glamorous life too,” she shares.
But Kamat decided to take it slower after she got married, and in 2016, she started a kids’ wear brand. But once again, her work took a back seat when her mother fell ill. “My mother was there for me when I needed her the most as my career took off, and this time when she needed me, I had to be there for her,” Kamat shares, adding that she did do occasional projects.
After the demise of her mother, her husband, Viddyesh, a marine engineer, made a conscious decision to come back to Goa. It was also he who pushed her to get back to what she loves most-designing and dressing people up. “I used to keep sketching for people, and my husband was like Why don’t you start?” she says.
Thus, she started to work again, designing ethnic pieces and working on festive wear for people who were routed to her through friends and family. “In March this year, I opened my studio in Taleigao and worked on my favourite fabrics like silk and chanderi, which don’t need much work except for a bit of accentuating it,” explains the designer who loves to showcase the beauty of Indian textiles and craftsmanship. In fact, her designs are a harmonious blend of intricate embroidery, vibrant colours, and flowing silhouettes that resonate with both locals and tourists alike.
But, a few months after her studio opening, Kamat felt that things weren’t working out like she wanted them to. “I found it tough to understand why over-the-top embroidery is loved so much, while people seldom understand the power of simplicity. Also, today, there’s so much buzz about sustainable fabrics and all that, but the truth is that most of it is a farce. You can’t get sustainable and pure fabrics at cheap rates,” says Kamat, admitting that at this stage, she began to doubt herself.
But it was her sister-in-law who made her realise that ‘fear is fuel’ and soon she was struck with the idea of paying ode to Goa’s azulejos tiles. “I have always loved these tiles. That was the first thing that intrigued me when I came to Goa as a newlywed bride to my husband’s home, the design, the colours. I wanted to capture this beauty and create something equally beautiful. And so I felt guided and grateful when the idea came about, and knew it would click,” says Kamat. And this led to her new collection, ‘Mog’. “Who doesn’t love the azulejos after all, it’s everywhere, and I thought, why not on clothes?” says Kamat.
Each of the garments that are part of this collection bears affirmations embroidered on them, like ‘I am enough’, or ‘Guided and Grateful’. Her collection ranges from formal wear to casual wear and includes dresses, shirts and trousers, sarees, and tunics. Mostly in blue and white, the digitally printed designs have been fused well with interesting designs that are chic, modern, and classy.
“I am not here to sell something that I don’t believe in. At the same time, I won’t bluff by saying it is pure cotton. Pure fabrics are never pocket-friendly, and I want my outfits and designs to be accessible to those who can afford designer wear,” explains Kamat.
When not being the hands-on mom or attending to clients, Kamat spends time sketching and researching all the time. Besides the collection and prepping for the season, she is also working on a few bridal trousseaus and family attire. “I want to make wedding gowns, lehengas, and other ensembles for Goan and Indian weddings too,” says Kamat, adding that she believes that it will evoke love, and only love.
PIC BY HEMANT PARAB
