Manoviraj Khosla - Interview
Do our clothes make a statement?
Manoviraj Khosla, the renowned designer from Bangalore
says emphatically,"No doubt they do, I always look at people
from toe to the head. Because many people pay little attention
to their shoes and that shows their personality."
What kind of a statement does Manoviraj's
clothes make?
Manoviraj's collection is sporty and has a predominance
of red, white, blue and yellow. All fabrics are imported synthetics,
lycra and other stretch material. The sportswear is quite
casual and trendy. His 'Manoviraj Khosla' brand has been
in the market since the last nine years and that seems to have
given him a lot of confidence.
 Manoviraj
says his education in the American College of Fashion,
London in 1989 was very helpful, but more than that his experience
has taught him a lot. He says, "I used to make a lot of silly
stuff but now I am more of a practical designer. I am
definitely focusing on sportswear and Indian clothes.
I don't believe in any extra fittings like embroidery on my
designs and I want the clothes to speak for themselves in terms
of silhouette and cut."
Manoviraj Khosla, was the only designer representing Bangalore
in the prestigious Lakme India Fashion Week, the first
ever buyer and seller meet organized in New Delhi where
32 designers from eight cities across the country presented
their collections to over 15,000 visitors. In this week long
event visitors were not just exposed to the latest collections
of the various designers, but also many seminars were organized
for designers to understand the needs of retailers, exporters
and
buying houses.
"Yeah, I was the only designer to participate in this
Fashion Week, but that was because of the fact that the other
designers from Bangalore weren't keen on participating.  They
were a bit cautious about this event which was being held for
the first time. And as such our city has very few fashion labels
like Shonali, Himanshu, Namrata and others. And I am a member
of the Fashion Design Council of India who were the organizers
of this event."
Do his clothes appeal only to the upper classes?
"Kingfisher has always been there as my mass brand
since the last five years. I have plans to sell it in specific
outlets, while 'Manoviraj Khosla' brand will be available at
all places. And I am not the pioneer in this idea of having
different upmarket and lowmarket image. Donna Karan from New
York has been selling her cheaper DKNY range in various
outlets and also has the exclusive ones in the top league."
That is where Manoviraj Khosla aspires to be.
And a few of his favourite things:
Favourite Restaurant: Karavali
Favourite Pub: 180 Proof
Favourite Outdoor Location: Kuteeram in Nrutyagram
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