Neha Agarwal
fashion designer, 28

Hometown Kolkata

So far I graduated from NIFT, Kolkata in 2003, with the award for ‘The Most Creative Designer’. I started my label in 2005 and took part in multiple exhibitions for a few years. I then debuted on the national runway at Lakmé Fashion Week as an emerging designer, with my Autumn Winter 2009/10 line, and then showcased my Spring Summer 2010 line.

On the recession: I think it’s a great time for newcomers, for a fresh point of view to come through.

Design school or the real world? The real world for sure. It’s crazy, unpredictable and so different from what we thought was out there, when in design school!

Trend forecasts: follow or create? Neither. I think trends should be a reflection of what’s happening around you; that’s when it connects with people.

On Kolkata’s bandh culture: Loved it back in school but it’s impossible to deal with now. You just keep counting your losses, especially if you’re an entrepreneur.

Galliano or McQueen? McQueen. I love the drama, magic and madness in his clothes.

Kawakubo or Westwood? Rei Kawakubo. Comme des Garçons has been a favourite since design school.

Sexy or sensuous? Sexy. You can create so many looks with it – sexy intelligent, sexy funny, sexy girlie and so on...

Spring-Summer or Autumn-Winter? Autumn-Winter. Layering is a key element in my design. I have more fun with winter.

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