the asian fashion journal

2nd Nov 2012

Glamazon Goths were trending all over the WIFW S/s 13 catwalks with designers Rajesh Paratap Singh, Alpana and Neeraj & CUE leading the way. Think body con, leather & pvc with splashes of studs and spikes. I’d seen this tough super-heroine incarnation earlier this year at Meera Sharma’s graduate show. The collection packed a punch with Sharma’s strong statement silhouettes. I loved the layering of contrasting fabrics, unexpected cut outs and changeable shapes (garments could be altered by the wearer by pulling straps) I caught up with the designer to find out more…

Meera’s technical drawings

Describe the Meera Sharma label in one sentence

Innovative clothing for sexy, strong willed women!

How did you get into fashion?

I have always loved fashion since I was a young girl, whether it was designing clothes for my Barbie dolls or just observing what people wore. It was therefore a natural progression to enter the fashion industry and express my take on fashion with my designs. I believe fashion is a great way to gain an insight into people’s personalities and I find it fascinating to see how people express themselves through their wardrobes, and it is great to see how people interpret my designs when they wear them.

What’s your inspiration when designing for Meera Sharma?

I can be inspired by anything, be it a picture, a vintage outfit or a movie! Take my debut collection it was inspired by my love of comic book characters and the female superhero.

Tell us a bit about your latest collection.

My debut collection is based on the female superhero who to me is the ultimate female; she is strong, sexy and not afraid to stand up for what is right! I decided to design an all black collection as I felt black as a colour is powerful and striking and portrays these aspects of the superhero. Superhero’s often live double lives so I portrayed this aspect in my collection with the layers, contrasting and cut out fabrics. The patent leather straps that are contained in the garments can be pulled allowing the garments to change shape and create more drapes which again came from the superhero’s changing personality.

Congrats on the IAFA nomination, how do you feel about the nomination and about being the only non-Asian clothing designer to be nominated?

Thank you. I was completely surprised when I received the phone call saying I have been nominated. To be the only non-asian clothing designer to be nominated is quite exciting and I feel quite honoured. I also have admired the work of Manish Malhotra for years and to know that he will be watching my designs on the runway is quite surreal!

What’s next for the Meera Sharma label?

Well I am working on getting more stockists both here and abroad. I am concentrating on promoting my debut collection and then after that will start designing my next one but lets see what happens…..

Thanks Meera and good luck for the I.A.F.A’s