With not one, but two labels, Maneesha Perera’s glam quotient is doubled. After discovering her love of long sleeves, I am officially a fan! Re’ra by Perera, her bridal label, also has custom designed evening dresses that range from sophisticated and refined to elegant and graceful. The embroidery on some of them is head-turning and guaranteed to stand out in a crowd. Her other brand, Lillie’s Wardrobe, belies its innocent-sounding name and its designs for casual, evening and work wear are eclectic and will definitely make a statement wherever the wearer goes.
Maneesha studied at St. Bridget’s Convent and studied Fashion and Textile Design at AOD International Design Campus. She also did a Higher Diploma in Fashion Styling in Mumbai and currently has her own design studio.
Maneesha, what made you choose fashion design as a career?
I always knew I wanted to be a part of the creative side of the world, whichever it was, and since I am a major shopaholic, a career in fashion came naturally.
What inspires you and how does it feed into your work?
We are surrounded by so much inspiration, sometimes we just need to open our eyes to see it. I’m inspired by almost everything. Once you have been to fashion school, you are programmed in a way to draw inspiration from almost anything around you, so whatever catches my eye is something I always make note of. When I design something, I recall them and create something unique with a touch of my signature style.
If you could design for someone you consider an icon, who would it be?
No one in particular, but I enjoy helping people match stuff (mostly family and friends) when they reach out for fashion advice.
What do you feel is unique about you and sets you apart from your competition?
I don’t really think too much about the competition. But having said that, I am very impressed by everyone who is in the field of fashion and they make me want to do better and step up my game.
Where do you see yourself in a decade?
In a decade? I see myself as a happy person who owns a successful business…or two!
If not fashion design, what else would you be doing as a career?
If not fashion design, I’d be an actress.
What is your first fashion memory?
Walking into AOD as a clueless teenager!
What do women, their personalities and their bodies represent to you?
Simply put, women are like swans. Graceful, though they paddle so hard and fast beneath the waters. When it comes to their bodies, I have never judged a woman for her size, as any size is beautiful; what matters the most is that she is healthy. Size or colour of the skin doesn’t define beauty.
Are there any aspects of the fashion industry, local or global, that you’d like to see a change in?
Yes, I am put off by a lack of originality. I believe we all get inspired, but replicating someone else’s work is something that is a big no-no, as fashion is all about individual creativity.
How do you start a new collection?
For my label ReRa, it’s mostly bridals and evening wear which I design for each person’s body type and preference. At Lillie’s Wardrobe, I try to keep every new collection alongside the latest trends and styles with fabrics that are more suitable for our tropical weather.
By Michelle Alles