Couturier Jayanti Reddy is well known for bringing forth exquisite Indian craftsmanship through her designs which tap into the old world charm. This self-taught designer hails from Hyderabad. Her designs are what all brides dream of and bridesmaids want to flaunt. In an exclusive interview we speak to self- taught designer Jayanti Reddy on her best ideas, childhood memories and much more!
Where/How do you get your best ideas?
As a designer, I’m constantly drawing inspiration from everything around me – whether it’s travel, nature, architecture, art or even people around me.
First thing you do as soon as you wake up?
Make myself a strong cup of filter coffee!
What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses in the country?
I hope small businesses have the opportunity to grow enormously, supported by the community, contribute to the economy and are able to provide employment. Hoping they receive the necessary support required!
What was your biggest stroke of luck since the launch of your company (s)?
I don’t know if I should call it luck! All designers work very hard but those who make it for fashion week definitely had their slice of luck!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Be authentic and stick to your aesthetic!
What do you typically read?
I wish I had time to read everything under the sun but I definitely make sure I have books on art, textiles, Indian heritage around me at all times so I can go through them for inspiration and continue to broaden my knowledge on the craft.
Best boss you had and what did you learn from them?
I worked very briefly with my father soon after I graduated from college before launching my label. But I constantly tell him he certainly fits the bill of being the “Worst Boss” (laughs)
What question do you ask at interviews?
Most important – what excites you about wanting to work at Jayanti Reddy? I definitely also like to know their level of knowledge about textiles and embroideries and a little knowledge about my brand and my signature styles.
And then the usual – number of years of experience.
One thing you learned about yourself?
It never struck me how disorganized I am until I started working! Being disciplined is so important and I definitely work on bettering that every single day.
How do you keep your team motivated & engaged?
Empowering them in their roles and encouraging them to be creative and take risks.
How do you maintain work/life balance?
I have an incredible team so it has always been fairly easy for me to manage both! But in the future, when I plan on having children, it will probably be a challenge! But we will figure out that phase of work/life balance then as well.
A childhood memory that shaped something you do in your business today?
I decided to design something for myself for a family wedding and it turned out exactly how I wanted it and just as beautiful as I imagined it. That shaped me to be the kind of designer that listens to her mind and let’s her hands and imagination do all the work.
Rapid Fire Questions
Your favourite fashion trend of all time?
A pair of jeans with a crisp white shirt!
Trend you would like to see disappear forever?
There’s always that one person who can carry off every trend beautifully! But for me, it’s sheer pants!
It’s Your Best Friend’s Wedding, What Would You Be Wearing?
A heavy Kurta any day over a Lehenga!
Your favorite style icon of all time?
Sonam kapoor and Deepika padukone (India)
A Piece of Advice For Grooms?
Less is more!
About The Vogue Wedding Show-
Vogue Wedding Show 2021, a special virtual edition of the luxury wedding exhibition. https://weddingshow.vogue.in. The show celebrates its eight year in 2021 and offers one and all an exclusive opportunity to find the perfect bridal lehenga, jewellery and zero down on a decor specialist who can translate their vision into reality. Touted as India’s most exclusive luxury wedding exhibition, it gathers some of the most premium and recognised category leaders as well as services like hotels, trousseau gifting brands, wedding planners and other specialists from the Indian wedding circuit under one roof.