Vintage of Chic: James Ferreira
Green-lighting his entry as a designer in 1976, James Ferreira continues to scintillate brightly in the business of style. Ajit Ramachanddran illumines the iconoclast whose expertise encompasses garments, jewellery, furniture, interior design, and more…
Ajit Ramachanddran
Vintage of Chic: James Ferreira
Green-lighting his entry as a designer in 1976, James Ferreira continues to scintillate brightly in the business of style.
Ajit Ramachanddran illumines the iconoclast whose expertise encompasses garments, jewellery, furniture, interior design, and more…
Bluntness could well have been his middle name. In the fashion business - where diplomacy is never in deficit – James Ferreira stands tall as the proverbial sore thumb. But perhaps, it is this very facet of his quintessence that has endeared him to followers, abiding admirers and a clientele that swears by his talent.
Undeniably, James Christopher Joseph Ferreira - now synonymous with outspokenness, elegant wear and tasteful aesthetics – has come to mean a benchmark of sorts, delivering inspiration to newcomers and inspiring silent, undiluted envy among rivals.
Having made his mark in the segment of garments, Ferreira transitioned effortlessly into expanding his craft to the markets of jewellery, furniture, interior design and more. Presenting, excerpts from the chatathon…
New thrust
“During the lockdowns, I used this time to get my house in order. I attended to past catalogues, spruced up the quality and created a team of experts to hit the markets when they opened up. Being a successful designer is all about collaboration. What I needed all this time was support to take me forward, which I have now managed to find. Incidentally, everybody from my manager Shikhaa to my house-staff to my Master cutters and others, have been with me for over 16 years.”
Expansive expertise
“Apart from garments, I have also designed jewellery and have made inroads into the segments of furniture and interior design. Being a creative person with a discerning eye, any aspect of fashion is doable. My strength in interiors is space planning and the ability to mix the old with the new to create warm, interesting spaces with a certain style, all my own.”
India unexplored ?
“In the global market, we have not incorporated Indian cutting techniques and shapes into our design philosophy. We have rich fabrics and India is a country of drapes. There are over 100 ways of draping a saree, over 45 ways of draping a skirt or trouser and over 60 ways of tyeing a turban. I do not see this in any of the designers who have tried to make a mark internationally. All have depended on their artisans, but have not taken them forward with them.”
Frankness backfires!
“Being a designer of Western wear and not being part of the bridal wear market, did make matters difficult for me. Although I’m a creative person, I don’t think I have a single business bone in my body. And yes, I have a major foot-in-the-mouth disease which has definitely affected my career.”
Newbies note…
“I cannot advise newcomers on the business aspect of fashion, but I would definitely say that love what you do and stay true to it. Get together a work force who you love and respect and take them forward with you. Read books as it is the best way to hone your creative and imaginary skills. Remember that inspiration is all around you, at all times. You need not go looking for it, you just have to recognise it.”
website - www.jamesferreira.co.in
insta - jamesferreiralabel
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jamesferreiralabel/
