Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Exclusively for you
By Esther Williams
The reigning Ms. India – Universe Tanushree Dutta was at Colombo’s fashion store, Leather Collection last week, to unveil their new line of exclusive Indian brand Hidesign’s 2005 collection.

Speaking at the launch, managing director, Leather Collection Niloufer Anverally reiterated their company’s focus on fashion, quality and comfort that has carved itself a niche in the market. “Our new collection is sure to wow the customer,” she said of the range that would cater to both the trendy teenager and the discerning adult, be it a simple wallet, belt, handbag, satchel or luggage.

Hidesign that claims a humble beginning in Pondicherry (South India) in 1978 today has a global brand presence and has become one of the first Indian brands to be retailed at premium fashion stores around the world, including Selfridges, John Louis, House of Frazer in London, David Jones and Myers in Australia and Stuttafords in South Africa.

Each of their products are handcrafted and made from authentic leather in keeping with the underlying principle of the eternal spirit of Hidesign – “real leather crafted the forgotten way.”

Hidesign’s President Dilip Kapur attributes the uniqueness of their products to two inherent qualities – the natural look and craftsmanship. “Our products emphasise the elegance of leather. They are not painted or plastic,” he says adding that they only use vegetable tanning, special wax and oil finishes, all eco-friendly traditions. Unlike others who have switched to electroplated buckles they still use only solid brass buckles with emphasis on comfort and style.

“Being different is important and we respect individuality. Our products hence are handcrafted and not mass-produced,” he says. In keeping with this, they make only five bags of a style, regardless of the fact that this calls for a larger workforce.

Hidesign today has offices in London, which is currently their single largest market, and Milan, the city which is at the heart of fashion, where they study and analyse the latest trends. Although Dilip initially did all the designing himself, today he has six in-house designers at their factory in Pondicherry, their workforce numbering around 1800 in their factory and elsewhere.

Over 100 designs of the new range of high fashion leather bags and garments are currently housed at the store. Leather Collection is the sole agent and distributor for Hidesign products in Sri Lanka.

Fit for a beauty queen
“Hidesign bags are convenient, stylish and classy – my kind of choice,” claimed Tanushree Dutta who was in Sri Lanka for the first time last week for Leather Collection’s new launch. Of being here, she said it was a dream come true for her as she had heard about the country and its beaches and had fancied being here.

Dressed in a plaid mini skirt and pink knitted top, she looked stunning. Reminiscing about her recent win, Tanushree said that she always visualised herself with a crown. “I was not sure of winning but I gave it my 100%,” she smiled, adding that it was perhaps her year-and-a-half experience in modelling, stage presence and confidence to face the camera and crowd, that worked in her favour.

Having won the Miss India crown on March 27, 2004, Tanushree had barely a month to prepare for the Miss Universe Pageant held in Ecuador. “There began a hectic period of preparation that involved getting my body into shape, paying attention to skin, hair, speech diction and make-up, by a panel of experts.” She was fortunate to have leading designers in the country assemble her wardrobe.

Tanushree figured among the top 10 of 83 contestants. “I never thought it would be so beautiful. I learned so much about other cultures, it was almost like going on a world tour,” she laughed talking about her experience of interacting with women of different backgrounds in the duration of 20 days that she spent there.

What Tanushree values most is her individuality. “I like to be myself and hate to follow a cliché look. My individuality made me what I am today.” Asked if she feels strongly about any particular issue she said, “Today’s youngsters are losing respect for their elders. Parents have been our backbone and responsible for our upbringing and they deserve our love and respect.”

Currently doing her final year B.Com, Tanushree who hails from Jamshedpur in North India hasn’t made any concrete plans for the future. Would she go into movies? “Why not? Now that I have won the coveted title, should I receive some lucrative offers and if something appeals to me, I will go for it.” She also hopes to be involved in the some form of media in the future. For the present, Tanushree is doing what she loves best– travelling to meet her commitments as Miss India and enjoying every moment of it.

Top