Eastern Mirror’s Style Spot gives you an insider look into the local style scene, bringing you the latest news and trends in the fashion industry. Every Wednesday we offer a fun and exciting line up of artists that you won’t want to miss out on!!
We showcase Designers, Stylists, Models, Bloggers, Make-up Artists and Fashion Entrepreneurs each with their unique perspective on fashion. Whether you love beautifully layered laidback summery vibes in pastel or a bit of Edge in leather appliquéd on cropped jackets and tunics you can find Your Style Inspiration Here! EASTERN MIRROR: Give us your background of yourself that made you what you are today?
Ziony: Fashion designing was one of my hobbies since childhood but it became my passion and this passion has finally turned into my profession. As a little girl I used to sew clothes with my mother’s sewing machine on my own without her knowledge. I used to get very fascinated with the stitches that I made and tried to make new things every time I got chance on the machine. My interest for sewing and designing began right there from my home sewing machine room.
EASTERN MIRROR: Why did you decide to board your brand “ZIONY” in Bangalore? Tell us your journey to Bangalore?
Ziony: First of all, ‘ZIONY’ is my name given by my parents so I just love it. In the mean time, I wanted my clothing line to reflect my passion, desire and the skills involved in making it. That’s why I have chosen my clothing brand as ‘ZIONY’.
I came to Bangalore in the year 2005. I always had a fascination for clothing and fashion. I was undecided for quite some time whether to go for designing or start working to earn or to pursue further study. My conscience was to go for further study. At the same time, I couldn’t resist the passion for designing. I am from a family with 8 siblings and I knew that enrolling in designing courses would be a heavy financial burden which I didn’t want to give to my parents as they were expensive. It took me quite a while to finally go with my heart. Since then, I never looked back and the journey has been wonderful.
I was fortunate to have a designer friend who also became my tutor. I really worked hard during my initial days. I always try to make something or the other with the design I learnt. It gave me a lot of confidence and gave a new perspective to my learning.
Some photographs of my designs were put up on social media. The comments and feedbacks led me to introspect and work upon on certain areas. It was a great learning experience, getting to know from other people perspective. That’s how everyone grows, from humble beginning to new heights. One great moment so far was showcasing my collection during the Naga Students Union Bangalore (NSUB) Fresher’s Meet.
EASTERN MIRROR: How is it like working outside your Hometown? Did you go through any challenges?
Working outside my hometown is a new experience and of course a challenge as well. I have to contemplate my sense of responsibility and learning as to how to care on my own and meet the challenges – personal, work as well as family. I convinced myself that I should step out of my comfort zone and make best use of the opportunity. There’s always nostalgia when I remember home but one has to come out of one’s comfort and look to the future.
What inspires you for your designs? And what is the current inspiration for your collection?
I normally get inspired from things I see; be it clothing, nature, wild life etc. I believe, I always add a piece of my personality in my design (simple and elegant). A quote from a famous designer – Sir Paul Smith, “You can find inspiration in everything. And if you can’t, look again” is what motivates and drives me for creativity in my design.
I like to take something that is feminine or do something ordinary and glam it up. I also like working with simple shapes and designs that can be worn everyday. I look at a lot of photography, art book and street style blogs to see what people wear in different cities. It’s about how do we meet the daily taste of maximum people rather than designing a fancy dresses which cannot be literally worn and used in our present society.
Having come across your designs worn by South Indian celebs, next who would you like to see wearing your collection? Tell us their encounter with brand “ZIONY”?
If I were to take a name I would love to see Priyanka Chopra wearing ZIONY clothing. There are lots of things admirable in her. As a woman, there’s so much to learn from her. My brand “ZIONY” is, no doubt, admired by the celebs, and whoever comes across it, he/she is usually impressed. A photographer introduced ZIONY collection to one of the South Indian actresses (Neha Saxena) who has now entered Bollywood. She had worn my collection for her portfolio shoot, movie promotion and social events and these moments were captured in Bangalore Times and local daily. I was overwhelmed with joy when she said, “Ziony collection is awesome”.
How does the Marketing process work for you? What is the most difficult aspect running your own label?
I’m keeping in touch with people through social networking sites and media apps like Ziony Clothing on facebook, @zionyshongvah on Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp & Pinterest. Some people do contact me directly for their special occasions like weddings, fashion shows, portfolio shoots and others.
As of now I buy and handpick the required fabrics from the market but it would be amazing if I can use my own created prints on the fabrics one day which is not currently happening; I look forward to having my own fabric manufacture one day. My clothing line is not on the large scale and I make clothing on request from clients for specific events. So, I don’t face the hassle of clearing my stocks.
Are you a Trend follower or a Trendsetter? Talking of which trend have you been never fond of?
I want to set a trend of ‘simple and elegant’. I’m not a fan of fancy clothing which cannot be worn or used comfortably in our day to day living. A woman who dresses provocatively is a ‘No’ for me. I find Jewellery that dangles quite unpalatable. So all I want to do is setting a trend backward to the world of simple yet elegant clothing and affordability by any ordinary woman. I don’t create “Needs” but I want to create to meet the need of every woman.
What is the most challenging part of being a designer and business owner?
As far as challenges are concerned, the moment you realize your piece is finished yet there are demands so when to stop and when to push it further is one. Consistency of sales and strong demand forecast is a challenge. I love working for myself, I really get to feel the highs and lows and grow as a woman and a business person. The most challenging is balancing it all. I’m learning it.
What advice would you like to give the youths who seek to work outside their comfort zone?
Figure out what you really want to do in life and believe in yourself. Be Confident! Surround yourself with people who will support and advice you. Keep going on without comparing yourself to others. You will eventually realize your dream. Godspeed!
