11 May MANIS JOSHI- THE DESIGNER OF DANFE
(For so long we’d been trying to get hold of one of the busiest person Manis Joshi – the designer. Now that we did, we took a very prolonged time from him to ask some questions about him and his prolific creations.)
Alisa: Hi Manis! So finally we got the time to take a short interview of you isn’t it?
Manis: Ya haha.
Alisa: Let’s get this interview started shall we?
Ayeesha: Yes, So first things first OK… Tell us what inspired you to become a designer?
Manis: I used to watch my mum using the machine whenever she made clothes, the whole process was really interesting to me as a kid. Later as I grew, I started making sketches- indulging myself more into fashion. That is when I discovered Alexander McQueen & Lady Gaga; looking at McQueen’s work the silhouette, the drama, the craftsmanship, everything fascinated me & Lady Gaga is someone so passionate about fashion & art, promoting it so fearlessly that is what drove me to become a fashion designer.
Ayeesha: Oh that’s quite charming, motivation from your own mother and legendary McQueen and the valiant Lady Gaga!
Alisa: You’ve been designing clothes for DANFE, tell us more about your journey as a designer?
Manis: I won’t say much as I’ve just began, everyone is constantly learning new things and so am I. I still have a lot more to learn, a lot more to show and a long way to go.
Alisa: Fair enough, so can you name one Nepali designer that you absolutely love?
Manis: There are so many unrecognized but such talented designers in Nepal. Not trying to be so confident by yeah I love my work (HAHA). And I also adore Teyang, Yubi Thapa and Sujan Lama.
Ayeesha: Tell us about your dream project, how does Danfe fit into this project?
Manis: well, I don’t have such big dream project, I just want to keep working, make beautiful clothes and want them to be recognized and well appreciated by the concerned audience perhaps all over the world (HAHA) and yeah… whatever life has to offer. DANFE maybe a small step in the frame of my career but still is a very significant one. I still remember what I was told in my interview with the DANFE team, “Let’s Grow Together”. We’re striving to take DANFE project to a prominent level but I haven’t lost my identity doing that. I’ve been given the spare to grow as in individual not being bound to just this project and that is what motivates me to perform better. Besides that, DANFE is giving me the exposure and the experience and in a way training me to face the hassle in the process of becoming a better designer and a person in the future.
Alisa: That is quite an enlivening thought there Manis. Danfe has truly become a part of your life in general, so how was your experience so far working at DANFE?
Manis: Actually, I didn’t have much hope when I gave the interview for DANFE as I have minimum qualification. It was really overwhelming to find them appreciate my work and effort and chose me amongst others as their in-house fashion designer. I have in fact grown to be a better self in those 4.5 month in DANFE. I’m constantly learning new terms, techniques and design possibilities with the girls and our trainer. I’m learning to be happy and find peace with what I have and work with such joyous spirit watching these beneficiaries work. I’m learning how to a diplomatic person; how to deal and interact properly and productively with different people from the DANFE team.
Ayeesha: Is there any celebrity that you’d like to design for?
Manis: Lady Gaga of-course! And Astha Pokharel, she can pull off literally any dress with ease!!
Ayeesha: Yes, both the ladies rule! As this is a new season, what do you have I mind about spring/summer collection?
Manis: Well, DANFE is after all a project for marginalized girls. I’m trying to incorporate their learning with my ideas still keeping it simple and basic. They’ve recently learned embroidery so yes I’m working on that for the new summer collection.
Alisa: Wow that is very creative indeed. How does it feel to be working behind DANFE for a cause?
Manis: you get a blissful feeling when you help someone in need, I feel the same way working with DANFE. Designing is something I’m very passionate about and knowing the income form the product you design is going to be used to help and train a new batch of marginalized girls. So, being able to design and work along for such a good cause is somehow very satisfying.
Ayeesha: Very well Manis, so tell us what was your first ever design?
Manis: My very first design was a strapless cocktail dress which was not even constructed well though my sister wore that to a date (HEHE). The first design that people really liked and I as well loved working on was this wedding dress.
Alisa: It seems that you have variety of designs in your collection and the wedding dress design is spectacular! We’re so impressed by it Manis!!
Manis: (HEHE) thank you.
Ayeesha: I surely agree with Alisa, So Manis what are the challenges that you face while creating a piece of art designing wear which is equally affordable and unique?
Manis: The major challenge I face is the fabric source. In Nepal, we have very limited resources available and every other person collects it form the same place and the design loses its originality. Therefore, I like to use that basic available fabric and manipulate it with custom details.
Alisa: Yes, It is quite difficult for Nepali designers in the context of fabric resources. Serious questions aside, tell us why are you so shy while taking a picture?
Manis: (HAHA) well, I’m very camera shy person. I’m always laughing or smiling. But basically, I just want to be discreet.
Ayeesha: Any awkward or funny moments while working at DANFE?
Manis: The whole DANFE team is so cheerful, everyone is cracking jokes around, laughing and singing so, and it’s fun most of the time. And thankfully I haven’t had any awkward moments till now.
Alisa: HAHA, you’re right DANFE team is certainly cheerful. It was very nice to know you Manis and all the creative designs that you do, we love it!
Compiled by Alisa Bajracharya and Ayeesha Joshi.