Working on the critical frame of fashionable art, not to mention confident of dealing with some harsh questions regarding her profession, young Fashion Artist Cynthia Kolakhe is definitely going to prove to be a name to remember in the coming years.
Focused on how groundbreaking or challenging her profession could be, the fashion artist speaks with Eastern Mirror’s ‘Style Spot’ about her venture into a picky world, the not-so-happy situation with people’s reaction towards her passion that led her to start her profession and how her work has evolved since.
Eastern Mirror: What inspired your passion for fashion?
Cynthia Kolakhe: I should say colours coz colors play an important role in fashion.
EM: Tell us about yourself and your career so far, how did you become a fashion artist?
CK: I studied Fine Arts from College of Art followed by 3D animation from Picasso Digital Media, New Delhi. My love for fashion and doodling my art led me to become a fashion artist.
EM: What has been the greatest achievement in the fashion world?
CK: More than fashion I’m into art. For me, Art is fashion. Some of my art works have been exhibited in United States, Hong Kong, Bhutan and New Delhi. I have designed tees for the World Boxing Champ M.C.Mary Kom, Tetse-o Sisters, Alobo Naga and the Band. At present, I’m running a home based art studio in Kohima. Some of my exclusive tees for men can be found in Dapper Store, opposite to the Connect Studio, Dimapur.
EM: What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
CK: Back then in Delhi, when I was pursuing my fine arts course, I love doodling in every blank page, on the wall, on any empty spaces and so due to that, my Delhites friends keep calling me to paint for them and that’s how I earned some extra pocket money. That was some memorable moment of my career.
EM: What challenge do you face as a fashion artist?
CK: When I first pursued my fine arts course, some of the people were literally mocking at me, saying “what will I do in future taking a drawing course?” Since, fine arts it’s very new to our society, I had a very hard time to pursue but mom and uncle always stood behind me, encouraging me in every way they could. The real challenges began when I came back here in Nagaland for good. In general, people out here, hardly understand the value of Art. They feel art is just a drawing but it’s not.
Art can express in terms of thoughts, feelings, emotions etc. It can create happiness, joy, Peace, Harmony etc.........Depends on how you create and stylize your art. Being a fashion artist, it’s not easy; we should keep up to date with our fashion, style and art. Due to that updated thing in fashion, we face many financial problems, lack of sponsors from the government. We called our self “Hand to Hand” means we get money and we spent on the same day to buy our art materials etc. I hope and pray one day, the govt. will also provide us some space for the fashion artist and fashion designers.
How do you choose what looks work as an individual?
I respect every profession and I expect the same from others.
What is the common mistake that Naga’s make with fashion?
According to me, Fashion is colour. So, when you put the wrong combination of colour, you spoil the fashion.
How would you define your personal style?
For me, I like to be unique from others. So, when I paint on Tees, I never repeat the same design again and that’s making unique for all.
Which trend do you wish never has been fashioned and which trend have you been fond of so far?
Fashion is like the planet Earth. It keeps rotating. So, what’s out will be in fashion and what’s in will be out.
What styling advice would you give to women?
Art is Fashion and Fashion is colour. When you know the combination of colour, then it will make you the real Fashionista. Fashion, don’t only counts on money but it count on your creativity. Be chic and fashionable.
