Akshaya Singhal

Excerpts from an Interview with the Designer

Recorded on: March 28 2023

Tell me about your collection!

My idea was to join or to merge two of my cultures that I'm very closely associated with, which is Indian and, well, I don't wanna say American, but like Western.

I was born in India, but raised in Bahrain. It's a Middle Eastern country. Growing up, we have had exposure to a lot of western kinds of silhouettes, whether that be the European or British style or even American style through TV shows and certain brands. What I wanted to do was use Indian traditional fabrics with embroideries to make western clothing or silhouettes like pants, tops, etc. My concept is to merge these two different cultures that make up my identity since I am an Indian studying in America.

Is this mixture incorporated in other way too?

Yes - this mixture of cultures is not only through my silhouettes but also through my models. I have three Indian women and two American men. And all looks have a mixture of Indian and American silhouettes while representing the vibe or energy each individual model radiates. 

And I would like to give credit to all of my models. They radiate the energy that the fabrics are giving. For my male looks, I kept my two models in mind while designing. Wes and Jack are both quite close to me and I could imagine what each of them would pull off beautifully. They both have these bold and confident personalities that would let them carry any outfit amazingly. I had a lot of conversations with them too to get a male’s perspective on the looks as it is my first time designing for men. Samira, Aashi and Anaah, my women are so special to me and I knew what I could put on each of them. I have known Samira the longest and she radiates this happy yet confident energy. I just recently met Aashi last semester, but I instantly knew that I could put you in these fun flowing pants. I met Anaah through a friend and when I saw her, I knew she was my showstopper just because of her self-confidence and positivity. They all are awesome and I truly appreciate and love them for who they are and what they have done for me. 

What Bollywood actor would you dress each of your looks in?

I think my male looks were designed only for one male Bollywood actor, Ranveer Singh. Only he can pull these off. However, I would give particularly Jack’s look to Ranveer Singh. Wes’ look to maybe Siddharth Malhotra or Aditya Roy Kapur, I feel they can carry the salmon cape well. Aashi’s look to Kiara Advani, she would look great in flared out palazzos. Samira’s red look to maybe Priyanka Chopra Jonas or Kriti Sanon because they could carry an off shoulder well. And, my showstopping look worn by Anaah would surely go to Deepika Padukone, she’s this tall, confident woman and the outfit would just compliment her queen status. 

What is your favorite look in a Bollywood movie?

For sure, Priyanka Chopra’s sari in Desi Girl and Deepika Padukone’s sari in Badtameez Dil. Both came at different times and changed the way the young women wore/looked at saris! I loved Kareena Kapoor Khan as Pooja/ Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham- that was given, all her looks were on point, that character is just iconic.

I would like to give a special thank you to Mira Carlson, a student photographer, for helping me with my logo video, fashion photoshoot and runway photography.