Perkolate Magazine Interview with Kumari Govender In The December Issue.
Perkolate – a South African Online Magazine, chatted to me about my journey as a Fashion Entrepreneur and some exciting projects I am currently working on in December 2016 issue. Please have a look at my full interview with Perkolate Magazine below.
“Fashion Has Always Been My Calling”
Kumari Govender
Kumari Govender Magazine Interview
First of all, please tell us a little bit about your background, and where did the love of fashion begin?
I come from a project management background, having worked in the corrosion engineering industry for many years. Spending a typical day interpreting plans, preparing cost estimates and labour schedules, timescales, compiling tenders and contractual documents for various projects. I also did numerous site visits and liaised with contractors and engineers on site. I loved my job, especially in crunching numbers. When working on multi-million rand projects, the satisfaction and sense of achievement at the end of a project was incredible.
But fashion has always been my calling. Passion drove me to make the transition into the world of fashion. I have always had a love for colour, texture and pattern, of vividness and contrast! But I was also blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit. And that kind of tripped things up. I love that I still get to channel my creativity and apply my rigorous organizational and multi-tasking skills daily.
Who has been the most significant role model and mentor in your life, and why?
My parents have been excellent role models and my daily source of inspiration. They have always encouraged me to be spiritual, practice gratitude, give generously, and rise above adversity. My strength and my mentor has been my husband. He is always supportive and encouraging. He is my discerning rock!
You are widely regarded as someone with her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world of fashion and the trends on the horizon.
“I Have Always Had A Love For Colour, Texture And Pattern. Of Vividness And Contrast!”
Kumari Govender
How do you keep yourself in the know, and what are your favourite upcoming trends?
I stay on top of what’s happening in the industry by subscribing to trade journals, and I pay close attention to all the seasonal shows in New York, Milan and Paris. Robes have been elevated and are one of my favourite trends at the moment. I especially love the continued obsession with shoulders – cut-out and Bardot off-the-shoulder styles. You can also expect to see a lot of bold stripes in vibrant shades in the coming year. Colours to look out for in 2017 – Kale, cheerful hues of yellow, tangy yellow-green and pink yarrow.
Do you dabble in design as well and if so, which do you prefer accessories or clothing?
Most of my clothing is bespoke, custom pieces. I love to conceptualize unique and bold designs that you can’t really find in every store. I love accessories; they can take any ensemble to the next level. But I feel my expressions are too expansive for the relatively condensed canvas of accessories. So clothing it is.
“The designs are opulent, bold and fearless. Very much my signature style of maximalist chic…”
Kumari Govender
You are launching something exciting this December. Please tell us more about it.
Yes!! I am launching my own clothing line under my Haute Edit label this December. The debut effort is kimonos, robes and luxurious gowns in beautiful, vibrant colours. The designs are opulent, bold and fearless. Very much my signature style of maximalist chic. I have used embellishments and trimmings in gaudy silk and delicate stonework and threadwork. They are envy-inspiring poolside dazzlers.
Most of my pieces are limited edition, and therefore only one or two of each piece are available. Exclusivity adds to the Haute Edit appeal. All garments come beautifully packaged in our exquisite Gift Boxes and make a gorgeous gifting choice.
DECEMBER 2016.
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