Q&A with the Gorgeous Michelle Salins

Q&A with the Gorgeous Michelle Salins

I caught up with the force behind the brand, the gorgeous Michelle Salins, for a little Q&A on her sources of inspiration and the buzz that is BFW!

Tanya Fontes: What is the ethos behind your label {why you do, what you do}?

Michelle Salins: My father’s zest for life and his support to my creativity has encouraged me to learn more and do more. The principles I learned from my parents are the driving forces behind my label and a huge part of what I am today. I’ve always had a passion for fashion, and I started my label after a decade of being a successful interior designer.

Tanya Fontes: What would you say your label’s USP is? What sort of woman do you envision wearing your pieces?

Michelle Salins: My clothes are an expression of the kind of woman I am and the woman I like to dress. She is confident yet subtle, she understands and knows her sensuality and individuality, and yet she is traditional at heart.

Tanya Fontes: What’s inspiring you at present ~ culturally and or aesthetically?

Michelle Salins: Currently, what’s inspiring me most is my terrace garden. Every morning, I enjoy looking at my flowers, both pastel & brights. And, I have little vintage corners which are my go-to places! You will see a lot of it in my SS’16 collection.

Culturally, I am leaning towards Parisian & Italian lace intricacies, only to see them on our Karnataka Silks. I am in the mood of creating the most exotic gowns using our rich fabrics. And, am sure you will see that soon!

Tanya Fontes: Fashion designing sounds very glamorous from the outside. What is it like on the inside?

Michelle Salins: To keep this short… It’s serious hard work! It’s all about an individual’s inspiration, his/her creativity, and the ability to bring that to life on someone else; allowing shape and size to be of as much influence.

Tanya Fontes: There’s nothing quite like the buzz of Bangalore Fashion Week? What would you consider to be the best part of BFW?

Michelle Salins: Bangalore Fashion Week has grown into one of the top fashion platforms in India. I am honoured to be invited as a guest designer and enjoy all this bustling creative energy under one roof. Every year and with every season, they are getting bigger and better with higher standards.

Tanya Fontes: How much time does it take to prepare for Fashion Week? What can we expect to see this season?

Michelle Salins: Usually, a collection takes anywhere between 4-6 months. That being said, the final 6-8 weeks is what puts you on that platform at fashion week. Putting together a collection involves everything from an inspiration board to hours of {varied types of} craftsmanship.

This season at BFW, we present an amalgamation of two collections; our fun and fabulous line of crisp European summer linens for both men and women, and our elegant and sophisticated ensembles which recently hit the high fashion ramps of Rome’s ALTA MODA ALTA ROMA, where we received an award for new talent Haute Couture. It was only befitting to showcase this collection in my home country!

Tanya Fontes: Finally, what is the one piece you think every woman should have in her wardrobe?

Michelle Salins: As a luxury designer, it’s difficult and unfair to mention only one must-have piece! Because if there is one thing to mention as a wardrobe must-have, it is colour! I think every woman’s closet must-have colour. And, I think a sheath dress in any colour is perfect!

That being said, there’s nothing like a pair of well-fitting, dark coloured pants paired with a white blouse, a classic pair of heels, and one neutral pair of ballerinas. 🙂

The Gorgeous Michelle Salins will present her latest collection titled “An Affair to Remember” at the Bangalore Fashion Week 2016, on Thursday the 4th of February.