Aditi Somani offers luxury fusion wear with international appeal and Indian grace. It is poised to be a luxury couture brand that blends traditional motifs with modern styles, crafted with the time-tested skills of experienced Indian artisans. The Prêt line consists of trendy and ready-to- wear clothes giving Indian fashion a whole new dimension.

As the designer and creator of the label, Aditi Somani believes that creativity and appreciation for beauty is not a mere profession. Her ever scrutinizing and aesthetic eye sees all that is graceful and pours it into each of her creations. For Aditi every experience and encounter with things that stand apart in elegance reaches the innermost recesses of her soul, triggering a reaction that culminates in the creation of an exquisite design.

Aditi’s foray into the fashion world came naturally after her marriage into a Marwari designer family. She equipped herself professionally and launched the Amaya Collection featuring western and fusion wear. The line had a well-defined ethnic trousseau flavour that appealed to Generation Next.

Aditi has recognized the true potential of the growing fashion industry in India; the brand Aditi Somani is a natural progression from her Amaya days. The label is the culmination of her creativity, talent and desire to be among India’s leading fashion designers.

 

Fibre2fashion : How has the market for luxury fusion wear evolved?

Aditi Somani:The fashion industry seems poised for a glittering future. Fashion brands, for example, have moved from their usual ways to produce clothing that is trendy yet in touch with their roots. Designers are working on new handcrafting techniques, unusual fabrics and contrasting colour combinations. In terms of inspiration and concept, the sky is the limit.

Fibre2fashion : Which markets give you the best response?

Aditi Somani:I only retail out of Delhi and Mumbai and my designs have been well received in both cities. I have participated in various exhibitions across India and have got a positive response. Keeping that in mind, I would want to tap the Tier II cities and expand my retail presence there as well.

Fibre2fashion : What roadblocks did you face when you launched your label? How did you overcome them?

Aditi Somani: The Indian womenswear space is mainly dominated by bridalwear so initially it was a challenge to break into the industry and establish myself as a luxury fusion wear designer. I stayed true to my style and design ethos and got appreciated for my unique designs.

Fibre2fashion : How do you tackle issues of skilled labour like pattern masters and tailors?

Aditi Somani:I have a loyal and dedicated set of workers who have been with me since the start of my label and have become more like family. They are an integral part of the Aditi Somani label.

Fibre2fashion : Which motifs, silhouettes, colours and fabrics are trending this season?

Aditi Somani:For SS17 pastels and off-whites are sure-shot winners. Lighter colours have been a spring and summer favourite for ages, but modern, fashion-forward silhouettes keep them from looking tired. Elements in deeper shades can be added to pastels to add dimension. To keep off-whites from looking too washed out, punctuate with bright embroidery and motifs.

Fibre2fashion : What thoughts go into designing your outfits?

Aditi Somani:A lot of thought goes into designing each outfit. Through my eponymous label, I aspire to create designs that are simple, understated, yet unique, elegant and wearable. Each piece should have a persona of its own and should also showcase the silhouette, colours and textile in all their glory. I believe that creativity and appreciation for beauty are not a mere professional trait.

Fibre2fashion : Which are your favourite fabrics and embroideries?

Aditi Somani:I prefer using natural and hand-woven fabrics to synthetic ones. This includes benarasi, crepe, georgette, ikat, kashmiri and lucknawi. In this sense, I try to use fabrics that go well with my aesthetics and collection, while being well priced. It is important to consider all these factors to make a complete collection.

Fibre2fashion : What is the USP of your label?

Aditi Somani:My label, Aditi Somani, showcases silhouettes and motifs that follow traditional values with an international appeal. My designs are minimal and understated while being rich and elegant. My collections are mid-ranged, which is well priced and positioned. I showcase subtle class with a tweak.

Fibre2fashion : Please share your retail presence, exports and manufacturing capacity.

Aditi Somani:I retail from Mumbai and New Delhi. In Mumbai, I retail out of Mélange, the multi-designer store. In New Delhi, I have recently launched my designer store in Defence Colony. I also retail from Ensemble at Khan Market and on Pernia’s pop-up website. Our main unit is currently about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, with over 40 sampling units and about 60 general ones. There are also a couple of units across India from where we outsource.

Fibre2fashion : Sustainability is much talked about. As a young designer, what steps do you take to reduce your carbon footprint from sourcing to final product?

Aditi Somani:I try to be as sustainable as I can in the production process. I make sure to use natural fabrics instead of synthetic. With experience, I aim to create something that has a qualitative characteristic over the quantitative element. We are always careful of cloth consumption as well as wastage. While a collection that looks good is usually the main motive, it is important to keep your approach sustainable, nature-friendly and clean.