The multi-faceted designer, who describes her work to be synonymous to art, is a product of NIFT, Hyderabad. The winner of the Most Creative Design Collection award during the graduating show at NIFT is an artist, a fashion designer and a painter. After graduating, she worked at Sheetal Design Studio in Mumbai with eminent designers like Manish Malhotra, Aki Narula and Hemant Trivedi and crafted menswear collection. The journey then brought her to the capital city where she started creating womens wear line with Kavita Bhartia and Ranna Gill. Lets get to know more about this gifted designer.

What inspired you to take up this profession? As a child, I was always inclined towards the artistic self in me. I used to love colours, shapes and fabrics and after completing my schooling, I was sure that Ive to be an artist or a designer. I always wanted to associate myself with art and since art and fashion are co-related, I love my work.

Your first break I got my first break at Olive at New Delhi. I am grateful to them that the Olive family had their faith in me and allowed me to present my work along with big names of the industry like Nikhil-Shantanu, Ranna Gill and Manish Malhotra. I launched my label Nida Mahmood in 2006 and in 2007 got an invitation from Lakme Fashion Week Gennext and showcased my first collection.

Your design philosophy My design sensibility goes back to the word art. Everything I do is based on art whether it is writing something for any publication, designing clothes or painting. Your views on the current void in the fashion industry I must confess that the Indian fashion industry is growing. There are some problems though. I am hoping that those will get streamlined. People within the industry are very dedicated but it is a pity that we are unable to bring out our talent in the forefront.

Finally one fashion week in Delhi Comment. Whatever has happened, I am in favour of it. It is a good idea, and especially good for buyers. Now they would not have to juggle between two fashion weeks. This will give a sensible image of our fashion industry. It is better to forget your differences and move together. Designers you die for? John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood are two of my favourite designers. But I also adore Marc Jacobs for his chic and cool collections.

Future plans I am trying to come out with many things by the next season, about which I would not like to reveal much. But yes, I am planning to launch a parallel label of mine. There are some interesting things in the pipeline. Im trying to revive one of the dying art in my next seasons collection.
Advice for budding designers I feel styling is very important. One should step out of the box and should create a look which is reflective of them. If you come out with new ideas, youll be recognized for a long time, even though it may take some time before people can absorb them.