‘Bling is in even in the West’

Dec 24, 2012 - Sindhuja Balaji

Michelle Salins

Michelle Salins is making a splash on the worldwide fashion circuit. Her designs are being worn on international TV shows, like CSI New York and General Hospital.

Being Michelle
I haven’t trained formally to be a designer, but I have realised along the way that one needs to have passion and drive to be able to do anything.
Knowing preferences
I have always wanted to explore the markets abroad. Americans love dark, sombre colours, especially along the East Coast, which is power-driven. The happier, lighter, floral shades dominate the West Coast. I’m working on styles that suit cities like Washington, Philadelphia, Boston and New York.

Tweaking to taste
Being part of New York Fashion Week and Miami International Fashion Week taught me so much. I have also begun to see similarities between Indian and Western preferences. We love bling, embellishments and shine on our clothes and the Westerners are now embracing such outlandish designs too. All it takes is a little bit of tweaking.

Personally speaking
I absolutely enjoy my life the way it is, though it does get overwhelming at times. (Running her own boutique all day and working late into the night with clients on the other side of the world.) My Sunday brunch, however, is a luxury that I don’t want to give up! I enjoy a relaxed meal with my husband and close friends. I love spending time with my nieces and nephew. I stay active, thanks to dance lessons four times a week.

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