What you wear is style

For designer Agnimitra Paul, home and work are equally important. In a freewheeling chat with Rouge, she talks about fashion in details .You are responsible for the much talked about new look of Mithunda ?
Yes, I wanted to give Dada a look that is very different from his role in Minister Fatakeshto and along with the director and producer, we decided to go international for one song which Dada has sung himself.We first decided on the background and then coordinated the costumes with it. And Mithunda too was quite excited. In fact, he's a designer's joy and I have never found him interrupting a designer's creativity.
You have worked with a lot of stars both in Kolkata and Mumbai. Are starry tantrums common?
Of course it's a part of the job I do. But there are other concerns that go into starry tantrums as well, like the ambience at the shoot, the mood of the star at that time. On many occasions, its so happened that in spite of discussing the entire look and outfit with the star from before, they say they want something else. But I have noticed one thing that those who concentrate more on their performance, forget about their outfits once they face the camera.
Has any actor ever tried to interfere with your work?
Most actors know what looks good on them but it's not so always. What are we here for then? All designers, stylists and makeup artists try their best to give the right look and actors should respect that.
What's the fashion scenario like in Kolkata now?
It's definitely evolved over the last few years and I think all this began with Sushmita and Ash winning the crowns. People want to look better and spend on looking good at the same time. By looking good, I just don't mean garments but accessories and footwear as well. Along with Bollywood, the media is also responsible for this growing consciousness.
How much have you matured as a designer over the years?
When I started off, I never took care of myself. I was a Science student and there is this stereotype that we are meant to be the studious lot. I launched my label in 1998 and started full-fledged film designing only in 2004. I always keep my ears and eyes open, notice the changing trends in the national and international fashion circuit. Along with this, a proper networking also matters.
Plagiarism in the fashion industry is common. What's your take?
It has always been there and is not a new phenomenon. In fact I even know some shops on Park Street that sell copies of my design. A copy is always a copy but this is a part of the industry and it's an appreciation of sorts.
Is fashion about minimal wear?
Absolutely not. Fashion is more about how you carry the attire that looks good on you. Your profession and your confidence level play an important role as well. I still feel saris look smashing and that's not exactly minimal.
What do you look most fashionable in?
Fashion for me is what I look the best in. I know that I can carry off long skirts very well but I also wear minis teamed with stockings. I love mix-andmatch wear too. I have to exude a confidence and the moment I can do this, it becomes my style statement.
You manage your
work front and home equally well. Is it very tough?
Now that my son is five years old and I need to give him more time, things look a bit tough. I have to give my family and son, the adequate amount of time that they need from me. But I am uneasy to take some important professional decisions, I feel myself in a dilemma. See, there's no end to name, fame and money but we've got to draw a line somewhere.