Nida Mahmood
Fashion designer Nida Mahmood’s way of sketching designs has brought her a long way.
Inspirations:
I am inspired by the simplicity of everyday India. For example, a simple cup of chai is an absolute essential in one’s life but we are so immune that we pay no attention to it. I feel I have the ability to dramatise anything boring and inanimate.
Intriguing experiences:
My travels across the world have been an inspiration in so many ways. For example, my recent trip to Greece and Austria was quite intriguing because I bumped into a world famous Greek designer on the small island of Mykonos where he lives like a humble human being. Goes around on a battery charged two-wheeler and buys his own groceries; has a beautiful studio from where he sells his lovely designs. Here’s someone who has designed for Jacqueline Kennedy and so many such others, but he lives a simple art-drenched life and talks about beautifully inspiring things. These experiences drive me as an artist and designer; inspiring me to bring out the non-tangible aspects and give them a unique form.
Kitsch and spunk:
It is not about adding a handful of colour to an image downloaded from the Internet, but about creating an imaginary world to which the artist or designer transports the viewer. Kitsch is a beautiful complex world, made up of multiple layers of self-expression. From boring inanimate and lifeless everyday objects to be able to create something that has a life of its own, and has the ability to speak to the spectator, is a feat in itself. Now this is what is kitsch!
Treasured clients:
One that is really close to my heart is a jacket that I had done sometime ago for my dear friend and restaurateur, AD Singh. This was a hand-painted Gabbar inspired jacket. There are two reasons why it is so special. One is the fact that I am trying to rehabilitate the film poster artists who went out of work some 16 years ago. I am trying to bring back this lost art to people’s notice — so I have these original poster artists working with me, to drive the art to higher levels. This jacket was painted by one of them. Secondly, Amitabh Bachchan saw the jacket and was totally intrigued by it.
Personal style:
For me, it is important to pay attention to detail. I like accessorisation. I absolutely love wearing flowers in my hair. I am very bohemian in my style of dressing and colors are synonymous to me.
Extravagance:
Extravagance is subjective to the individual. In my opinion, luxe and fashion go hand in hand though it may not necessarily be defined by the expense attached to it.
The future:
I hate boxing ideas. I like it
spontaneous — with a focus. This is the best of both worlds, and it works for me.