Dhivya Balasubramanian, a Seattle-based fashion designer, is making waves in the industry with her unique approach to formalwear. Her recent collection, "Draped in History — Six Meters in Silhouettes," showcases a fusion of Indian and Western styles, blending cultural traditions with contemporary design. This article delves into Balasubramanian's creative process, her inspiration, and her vision for the future of fashion.
A Designer's Journey
Balasubramanian's journey into fashion design began in 2013, where she honed her skills as a dressmaker. Her designs are characterized by a blend of east and west, using Indian textiles, particularly pre-loved saris, and transforming them into contemporary silhouettes. This approach not only pays homage to her cultural heritage but also creates a unique and honest expression of her identity.
The Art of Self-Expression
For Balasubramanian, fashion is a powerful form of self-expression. She believes that the clothes we wear and the way we wear them are a canvas for creativity. The technical precision required in pattern-making, draping, and construction, combined with the artistic side of bringing together colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, makes fashion a serious art form. Her maximalist aesthetic and love for interior design further influence her approach to fashion, creating visually interesting and flattering garments.
A Personal Touch
Balasubramanian's business model is centered around customization and sustainability. She runs a made-to-order, made-to-measure design studio in Queen Anne, Seattle, where every garment is crafted in conversation with the client. This personalized approach allows her to create unique pieces that are deeply personal in character, from simple tunics to full gowns. Her use of pre-loved Indian saris not only gives these textiles a second life but also adds a layer of sustainability to her process.
The Creative Process
The designer's creative process often starts with the fabric, whether it's a pre-loved sari or a fabric sourced from her trips to India. The weight, pattern, colors, and details of the textile guide the creation of the garment. Balasubramanian then engages in a conversation with the client, discussing their body, occasion, and style preferences. She then drapes and sketches, shaping the fabric's natural properties into a silhouette that works for the client. The technical work involves pattern-making, fittings, and finally, cutting and sewing with couture finishings.
Inspiration and Icons
Balasubramanian's inspiration draws from a variety of sources. Her current collection, "Draped in History," is a tribute to fashion history, reimagining iconic Western silhouettes in pre-loved Indian saris. She is deeply inspired by Indian designers like Sabyasachi, Rahul Mishra, and Payal Khandwala, who have built an unmistakable design language rooted in heritage and craft. On the Western side, she admires designers like Stacey Bendet of Alice and Olivia, Zimmermann, Erdem, Gucci, and Chanel, for their commitment to craft and a specific, recognizable aesthetic.
A Personal Touch
Her experiences growing up in Kerala, South India, significantly influenced her designing and business approach. The made-to-order process and the excitement of seeing her ideas come to life, along with the anxiety of potential disasters, shaped her vision for a studio where clients are genuinely part of the creation process. This personalized approach is at the heart of her business, fostering relationships with clients and creating dream garments that bring their vision to life.
Looking Ahead
Balasubramanian's debut collection, "Draped in History — Six Meters in Silhouettes," is set to launch this spring, showcasing eight looks reimagined from pre-loved Indian saris. She is excited to share this personal work and plans to launch it in April. Her future endeavors will continue to focus on bringing dream garments to life for women who trust her with their vision, blending cultural traditions with contemporary design.
Connect with Dhivya Balasubramanian
To see more of her work, visit her website, www.dhivyabala.com, or follow her on Instagram, @dhivyabala.designstudio. Her unique approach to fashion and commitment to sustainability make her a designer to watch in the industry.
