Exclusive: Narendra Kumar gives us a sneak peek into his LFW Collection

1. What are your thoughts on the term plus-sized?

Narendra Kumar, designer: Given the way things are changing, even compared to 5 years ago, with regards to women’s issues, gender equality, equal rights, metro movements, this terminology is most definitely going to be obsolete. As more brands start to create such lines given the size of the market it will end up being as regular a feature as all other fashion today. 

Hetal Kotak, CEO of aLL Plus-sized store: In general, plus size means people of sizes 10 and up. But at aLL, we look at plus size as a set of people who are big, bold and beautiful. With our collection, we like to empower men and women of all sizes and give them the freedom to wear well stitched, trendy clothes in their sizes. 

2. You often see people advocating the anti-fit silhouette for curvy women and most times they look like shapeless, oversized tees. What are your thoughts on this silhouette being the go-to recommendation?

NK: Today it’s more about the mindset of the evolving women. The idea was to hide your body to conform to what society thought was fit. This no longer holds any weight given the changing environment. Hence our show #NeverHyde. One no longer has to live a dual life one of themselves and the other to fit into society. 

3. Tell us about your new collection that will be on the ramp at LFW and the thought process that went into the collection?

NK: The collection is bright and colourful. It incorporates athleisure - our favourite look for fashion, and has day wear to evening looks. We have designed the collection just as I would for the regular Narendra Kumar show without the plus size lens on it. It’s fun all the way. 

4. Your previous collection, The Marriage of Shayla Patel, which was a trousseau line saw of heavy embroidery and embellishment. Is elaborate surface techniques something that we can look forward to?

NK: This collection is free-spirited, cool and fun. The surface technique is minimal. We have focused on creating signature prints for the collection that have been incorporated into all the looks. 

5. This is the third edition that aLL is showcasing at LFW. How important do you think it is that inclusive clothing finds it's way into fashion week?

HK: The Plus Size Store’s motto is to give fashion freedom to plus size people. With a strong belief that size is just a number and fashion is for everyone, aLL has revolutionized Plus Size Fashion by collaborating with Lakme Fashion Week. The association has elevated fashion for plus size individuals to a new level. We have had an amazing response from the previous editions of the show and the industry is warming up to the idea of fuller frames walking the ramp & accepting inclusive clothing at large.

6. Narendra Kumar ramp narratives have always dealt with portraying societal fault lines and prejudices. Is this something one could expect to see this season as well?

NK: We have always looked at society and it’s function as an inspiration for all our fashion and this show is no different. We believe ourselves to be fashion anthropologists, always reflecting and asking questions about the society that we populate. 

7. Future projects from Narendra Kumar

NK: It’s time for a feature film. Have a plot and storyline in place. When it comes to fashion it’s Bespoke, Athleisure and Street.