Born out of her fascination for India that lives in the villages and her love for traditional Indian wear, Harshita Gautam founded NOMAD — a label that designs “gypsy” ghaghras inspired by rural Indian attire.
From working in the travel industry and being a baker, to teaching Spanish and doing a full time job in MNCs, she has worn several hats in her 12-year-long career before she decided to pursue her passion. In a chat with Metrolife, she tells Jayashree Narayanan about her designs, her inspiration and more.
Excerpts:
How did designing happen?
Designing happened absolutely by chance! While I was working in Pune, I spotted a Rabari woman at a signal. I was fascinated by what she was wearing and followed her home to find out more. I was introduced to ghaghra by her and realised I had found my calling. I was truly, madly and deeply in love with the garment. The first ghaghra I created was for my own consumption. I finally created NOMAD in the year 2012.
How would you define rural Indian beauty that you have tried to depict in your collection?
My inspiration has been rural India — India that lives in villages and is far more fashion forward than cities. Rural Indian beauty, to me, is something that is raw, undiluted and timeless and that is what I strive to capture. Things as they are. Effortlessly beautiful!
What’s special about ghaghras?
The real reason why ghaghra fascinated me more than any other garment ever is because it facilitates movement and supports my passion for dance like no other.
When I dance, it becomes my wings. I suspect the reason for my enchantment with the garment is that it indulges the little girl in me who likes to twirl her frock or skirt because it perhaps makes her feel like a fairy.
Why the name NOMAD?
NOMAD is the tribe that created and originally wore the voluminous skirt. It’s their legacy that I am trying to bring back to the mainstream and get it the recognition it deserves. The word nomad also captures the essence of the bohemian spirit that hides within all of us. We all are wanderers at heart, whether or not we realise it, and the label is a reflection of that desire.
Tell us about your designs.
My designs are different because they are original not only in terms of what I create but also in terms of what I am re-introducing. The patterns and motifs known as ‘Chheent’ is a legacy passed down across generations amongst the gypsy tribes.
While it remains a craze in the West, back home it has lost out to checks and stripes. Through my efforts, I am trying to ensure that this beautiful legacy stays alive. Also, since I do not follow fashion trends, I also do not create as per the market. My designs are not commerce-driven. They come from the heart and are meant for people who follow theirs.
Traditional ghaghras have bright colours which many might not prefer. How do you tackle that?
I’ve tried to present ghaghra in its most original form as I did not want to dilute the spirit of the garment. I also feel, whether rural or urban, ghaghra in its true form appeals to everyone just as much. Urban women forming my biggest client base proves it. But I do understand that even though ghaghra inspires awe and admiration, not everyone sees themselves wearing such bright colours. So apart from ghaghra, we have a fresh line-up of other beautiful garments that cater to the women with more subdued tastes.