Megha Garg

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Megha Garg ("MG") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

MG : I graduated from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kolkata, India in 2010 specializing in Fashion Design. To further enhance my skills I graduated from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design,London in 2011 completing a year course in Graduate Diploma in Fashion.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

MG : I had always been fascinated with the changing trends in the fashion industry. Being naturally bent towards art, choosing fashion as a career came as a life goal and destiny.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

MG : I always wanted to be in the fashion industry. Choosing to be a designer was a wise decision considering my choices and skills for draping fabrics and designing.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

MG : Being into fashion my natural flow is towards garments. What I love most is draping garments. Playing with different fabrics and putting together colors and textures to form a garment which solves a purpose is the best meditation process for me. I enjoy making personalized formal gowns as that is my forte. The idea of catering to a client’s taste and purpose is both challenging and enriching. The immediate feedback not only helps in growing as a designer but also keeps me aware of the market requirements.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

MG : Follow your heart and never give up. If your know your calling in your life then always follow the path and never stop believing in yourself no matter how difficult the path gets. Keep making new things and promote yourself. If you wont, who else will. Talk about your work and keep the financial perspective sorted. One cannot move ahead without a financial plan. Be artistic and explore however don’t ignore that the world moves on certain practical and realistic rules. Master the rules and succeed in your filed. Just believe and it will happen.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

MG : A good designer thinks of the present but a great designer thinks ahead.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

MG : First is aesthetics. No one would touch a design if it does not look good. Next is purpose. If it does not solve a purpose its of no use. Every good design must fulfill these two requirements primarily.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

MG : A good design always adds value in life by either solving a purpose or enhancing sensory experience through its visual appeal. Anything that adds value in life is a good investment.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

MG : With all humility, I would love to design a formal gown for Mrs. Michele Obama when she becomes the next President of the United States of America. It would be a perfect red gown to complement her aura and thoughts.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

MG : I am extremely fascinated with couture garments and thats what I want to work with in the future. With enough time I would want to start the project of making intricately textured, hand finished gowns for the red carpet.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

MG : Follow your heart. Thats the only secret. I make what appeals to me the most.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

MG : I have been a big fan of Hussein Chalayan. I was fortunate to receive my graduation event at the same event where he was being facilitated with a honorary doctorate by Central Saint Martin's. I also admire Elie Saab and Givenchy.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

MG : I have always loved all the works by Hussein Chalayan. His work is so thoughtful and way ahead of time that it inspires me to push my limits.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

MG : I had developed a texture for my company in 2014 by hand filling sequins into between tubes of quilted fabric. It turned out to be separate fabric in itself which was used in sections of garments as embellishment. That is still the most beautiful work and Its great because of the technique and the finish while giving it a sculpted look.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

MG : Keep absorbing. Look at more designs, be updated with whats happening around in your own field, practice your skill, ponder and deliver. All this as a part of routine everyday. Persevere and never stop believing in your work.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

MG : I would be a poet or an author. I love writing poems and penning my thoughts. Maybe, I land up writing a book in the future.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

MG : Anything, which inspires you and serves a purpose in an aesthetically appealing way, is a design. Starting from the idea to the final product, everything, which fits the definition, is design.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

MG : My mother. She was beside me in every endeavor like a rock. Whatever I have achieved is because of her.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MG : Persistence and perfection. Persisting on perfecting a particular design while keeping the business peerspective in place.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

MG : The major obstacle any designer faces is I feel about finances. How to keep the money rolling to be able to continue doing what one wants to do. So once that become comfortable a sense of freedom was achieved to abe able to design whats in my heart.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

MG : Each one has their own unique way of presenting their work which is their personal style. I feel one should always maintain their style so that people can recognize their work even without mentioning it. This is an important perspective in branding too. The only things important is to give the right information and be professional , like using clear language and crisp images, focus on display and packaging. The most important is to make it simple for the audience to understand their work.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

MG : I am working on an extension of the Urban Army collection, which will include different textures, prints and colors, plays on the similar silhouettes.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

MG : To reach out to as many people across the world through my designs.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

MG : Keep delivering great designs.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MG : A designer can take the society forward in many ways through the ideas, which one conveys through design. Many ideas of sustainability, zero wastage, low maintenance and functionality are imposed through design which have a very big role in how the society progresses.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

MG : Currently I am focussing on some textures which are turning out to be really good.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

MG : My favourite design is a formal dress which I have named as the soul series. These series of dresses made in knee length spandex bodice, with flat silk chiffon rectangular panels draped at strategic areas to form a full formal gown was a huge success for the Indian body type. These are still versatile and make the wearer feel good which is a very important aspect in my work.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

MG : I feel the organic reach of any work is dying due to the growing PR campaigns. Good work should be recognized even without paying for it. I hope this can change in the future.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MG : The most dramatic change is the conscience towards the environment. I feel that each artist or designer is focusing on how can they contribute to a bigger picture of solving problems through design. They are more aware of people’s need and desires. It’s moving towards a more problem solving from an eccentric point of view.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

MG : There are times that one thought is so strong that the project is finalized instantly. However, so projects can take months before they are actually taken up.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

MG : I start with words. Whatever is in my mind, I pen it down in the form of just words, or lines mostly poems. Then I do a visual research, which feels the same as what I feel with the words. Taking all that I start draping with appropriate fabrics. Lastly, I design all the final sketches or sometimes just realize the garment on the dress form.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MG : Keep designing every single day. One design per day.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

MG : It starts with designs and trends follow.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

MG : Technology makes life easier so is the case with design. At every stage technology plays a big factor to determine the finish of a product.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

MG : The most important tools I always have is a scissor and draping pins as Draping of ideas is the most important. The other important software is adobe photoshop which primary in realizing designs.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MG : Its everything. No design can ever be started without the use of any one of these.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

MG : 'What is the main idea behind it?' Each design I make comes from a deep thought which I would love to explain.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MG : I am glad that people are doing great work and the entire industry is moving ahead.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

MG : I am mostly comfortable with my own space and have never really thought of a design partner.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

MG : Creative individuals apart from fashion industry. They always provide a fresh perspective of looking at things and their curiosity for design is often inspiring to create new work.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

MG : I have been reading 'The Secret' which has helped me in giving confidence to visualize my ideas for designs.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

MG : I have been practicing on a daily basis brushing up draping and cutting fabrics. I also look up designs to be updated with whats happening around me. This really helped in mastering my skills.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

MG : I would love to meet Albert Einstein to have a long chat about theories of life and universe. This is my biggest curiosity.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

MG : I still don't feel I am famous. I always focus on delivering good work and the rest can follow.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

MG : Color-Black Place-London Food-Japanese cuisine Season-Winter Thing-Notebook Brand-Apple

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

MG : The ability to be able to follow my passion keeps me at a high at all times. I look forward to each day where I can spend time at my design studio doing what I love to do.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

MG : I was always artistically precise and wanted to do something creative. I am not sure about great but people around me knew I would be good at my creative endeavors.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

MG : I hope that world becomes a simpler and a better place to live. Though it seems quite difficult looking at the current scenario. But we cam always be hopeful.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

MG : I would like to share a poem, which inspired me to make a fashion film and a collection. The film was considered as one of the top 8 fashion films of 2014. The Warrior Soul Walking strong in the dark , Waking up to a stark , Leading the way despite the path , Is The Warrior Soul. Open arms to witness the strong , Standing tall to correct the wrong , Fighting hard despite being warm , Is The Warrior Soul. In our daily life , Look close with our sight , Found someone guarding us right? That is The Warrior Soul. Respect! Honour! Salute their might , To them we owe our nights , For the peace in our lives , Has fought The Warrior Soul. -MEGHA GARG