FASHTALKS WITH MANEESHA RUIA

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

Creating my first scarf designed with the generous application of a floral lace, handcrafted onto a very soft fabric made from a blend of merino wool and silk. This style is further enhanced by a play on the color combinations. The amazing thing is that 10 years later, this is still one of my best sellers. Of course I've innovated the design, colors, and lace used season to season and year on year.

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed? 

Hmm, not just one favorite, but a few over the years – from the most recent Chantal, with a unique combination of ostrich feathers and lace, to my signature scarf Iris, with its bold black outlined lace, to the evergreen single button cardigan Morpheus, highlighted with an expansive lace application and transforms from a cape to a wrap to a shawl.

What is your favorite part about designing?

Seeing my thoughts and concepts come to life. I love to innovate and try to remain ahead of the curve with my designs; hence, it is that much more rewarding to see the results of my creations.

“We are a contemporary brand using sustainable fabrics to create inimitable styles, innovatively designed with a variety of embellishments handcrafted by the skillful artisans of India.”

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

Ethical and women empowerment.

How important is sustainability to your brand?

Clearly very important. We love our Mother Earth and want to protect our environment.

What is your favorite current fashion trend?

My favorite current fashion trend is sequins and bling.

What are some of your favorite pieces from Maneesha Ruia for this season?

Mia for its unusual and avante gardé look, Chantal for its oomph, Beatrice for its casual elegance, and Andrea for its funky twist to the vest.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

That we are a contemporary brand using sustainable fabrics to create inimitable styles, innovatively designed with a variety of embellishments handcrafted by the skillful artisans of India.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

Don’t get disheartened by initial failure.

How did your brand navigate and overcome the pandemic in 2020?

We kept a low profile, maintained our relationship with our customers through constant dialogue, and supported our vendor partners.

“Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try!“

Do you find it difficult to have a brand based in India? What are the perks versus the challenges?

Actually, quite the opposite, as we are able to tap the skills of diverse artisans and create beautiful designs. On the flip side, one of the main drawbacks to being an international brand based in India is the shipping cost, which has gone through the roof since the pandemic and was further escalated by the war in Ukraine.

How important is social media to your brand?

Extremely important. In today’s world, social media is the only way to get the brand known and out there.

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started out?

It has become more fast fashion focused, as people want to see different and new products very rapidly.

What should consumers expect to see next from Maneesha Ruia?

Innovation, of course! We will be launching a capsule collection for Spring by the end of January 2023. The styles will be....shhhh...wait for the launch...

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try!