It was the year 1998. Designer Amita Sharma was taking her design lessons in J D Institute of Fashion Design and trying to discover her potential. She was experimenting with ethnic wear, western line, evening wear and much more. Then she did her debut collection ‘Options’ which gave her a real insight into customer expectations and market realities.

A year later, the Bangalore based designer designed her first label ‘PEARS’ in a partnership endeavour.  A mix of ethnic and western options for working women, the label was all about fun, colours and most importantly comfort. Next, she went on to work with international sports wear brands and prepare herself for her very own fashion label ‘Am Couture’.

  • She recently displayed at Bangalore Fashion Week, a collection inspired by “Colours of Buddhism”. 

  • Amita has worked for Fashion Calender 2010, a film production community.

  • The designer has also showcased at International Wine fest, Bangalore.

  • Plus, she is the official costume & accessories partner for Schwarzkopf Professional.

Ask her about the label and she tells, "Am Couture is centered on couture designs that are comfortable and mirrors contemporary trends and styles dovetailed into a seamless fusion of cultures.” But where does she find her inspiration? “Lots of designers from different trends, cultures and countries have influenced me over the years. But to be honest it’s been unsung heroes and friends which inspire me again and again.” says Amita. Apart from this, travel and personal life experiences help her design novel collections.

Amita has some interesting thoughts on the future of fashion. She believes fashion is about today, not future.  Adding to this, she says, “I see globe coming together as one where fashion represents personality and not nationality. Am Couture will try to keep fashion as fun, vibrant, exciting, and full of innovation.. still being comfortable.” But why does she find the current fashion scene as most important. Amita answers, “The great about being a designer today is that you can do so much today with amazing variety of innovation around you. Actually we need to understand the present in order to construct for the future.”

At the end, we ask for some fashion gyan and she advises, “One needs a great hair style, high-heels and dresses apt for the occasion. Jewellery also helps to add some sparkle. However, most important is self-confidence and comfort of carrying yourself in what you wear. So, it’s more essential to balance your outlook with inner peace and comfort.”

You can get Amita at: 

www.amitascouture.com

 

Let us introduce you to the traveler. He is the guy who will pack his bag and head out whenever life gets a little boring or days are a little free.  He is a believer of Shiva and essentially a spiritual person. Robbie says it is in him to love and be loved.

 

His career has seen some outstanding and glamorous moments with Valentino and Burberry in London. Also he has established himself both in India and in Singapore.

 

These days he is directing his energies towards improving his acting skills as he skims through two-three movies a day, observing and learning. He is working on his diction and expressions and setting his mind up on taking up acting later.

 

Family and Academics…

I come from a small town in Haryana called Riwari. My family is still residing there. All my schooling was from Riwari itself. I have two elder brothers and one sister, all happily married and settled. I started my college with Delhi University and then moved on to travel and tourism.

 

Parent’s reaction to your choice of modeling as a career…

Well, I was very confused as to what to follow as a career. I had started in DU but then went and did a diploma in Travel and Tourism and started working. First earning money felt good but it wasn’t satisfactory. It was around that time that I met a photographer who advised me to go to Bombay. On hearing, that I wished to go, my parents were pretty amazed and disgruntled at my naivety that I would think that knowing no one in such a big city of Mumbai, and obviously they disagreed. However I had made up my mind to leave the city.

 

So it was then that I had to flee to Mumbai with some borrowed cash to make my name.

 

First modeling assignment…

My first assignment was with BTL mobiles almost four years back for their ad campaign.

 

Greatest achievement till date…
Well measuring in material terms, I’ll say my working with Valentino in London was one of my greatest achievements.

However there is another incident very dear to me. It was during the time of Om Shanti Om, when some big models did a fashion show for the movie’s promotion. When it came out in the newspapers, my name was prominently portrayed. That was very motivating for my moral.

 

Idea of an ideal date

 My ideal date is definitely going to be with Drew Barrymore. I am also a little partial towards, Cameron Diaz but it will still be with Drew Barrymore on an island somewhere in Thailand or Bali.

 

When not modeling what are you most likely to be found doing…

I am a traveler. Whenever I have free time I pack my bags and head out, sometimes to the mountains, sometimes down south. Also I’m a believer of Shiva. So I like visiting religious places as well.

 

Another new and addictive hobby of mine is Facebook. It is very interesting to meet new people. I spend a lot of time chatting on Facebook. 

 

Five essentials for a model to climb the ladder of success…
. Confidence
. Belief in yourself
. Attitude not ego
. Good looks
. A good network
Views on Indian vs. Western models…

 I’ll say that I don’t judge a good model with fairer skin. I think both Indian and Western models are on an equal platform. However there are one or two traits that can be learned from western models. They are more professional and systematic in work.

The most touching moment of your life… 

I am very close to my family. There was this one time when I went home because my mother had a surgery scheduled. That was a scary moment for my mother, at that point of time I was there to support and give her the courage and it was indeed very touching for me. I am very protective and caring for my parents.

 

Quick snippets:

FAVORITE FOOD:  Yellow dal and rice

 

FAVORITE DESIGNER:  Rohit Bal

 

FAVORITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION: My all time favorite is Rishikesh. It is the place I go to think over, make my decisions and sort things out.

 

FAVOURITE MUSIC:  It usually depends on my mood. Sometimes hip hop or RnB but I am a great fan of Bob Marley.

 

YOUR GREATEST FEAR: There is nothing I can think of.

 

YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING MODELS:  All I want to say to the new ones coming in this industry is to believe in yourself and listen to your heart.

 

Bharat & Dorris known for creating the “flawless look”,are one of the ruling icons of the make-up art and hair styling today. Following their passion and legacy, son SurajGodambe launched their fourth “B&D Spa Salon and Cosmetic store” on Saturday amidst great celebration with actor Arbaaz Khan doing the inauguration.
Poised to create the best look in this cosmopolitan metropolis, the launch thereby strengthens the presence of the brand Bharat & Dorris in the fashion industry. Located in the heart of the city, Bandra, the “B&D, salon spa & cosmetic store”willprovide complete make – up and hair andspa solutionand will also houseexclusive B&D cosmetic products, catering to all hair and skin types like foundations, eye shadows, glitters, eye-liners, smoker pencils, mascaras, liquid glows, oils, lipsticks, make-up brushes, cleansing oils, creams and others line of products. The brand swears by quality and is known for creating the flawless look.

Launching their 4th outlet, Celebrity make-up and hair artist duo, Bharat and Dorris said, “It is a great day for us. We are thankful to all our clients for their constant support over the years. We will continue to give our best to the make-up and hair arena and aim to give the perfect look to people.”The day also marked the launch of the exclusive B&D calendar which features various looks like bridal, funky, fashion and mythological look.
Where-
493/3, Lachhami Bldg, Opp. KFC Link Road,
Bandra (W), Mumbai – 50

In the spirit of love, choose from watches in shades of racing reds and pretty pinks or take it to the next step with the total stones collection, this bling will take you a long way this Valentine’s Day…