Runway Dreams: Harleen Kaur Talks Inspiration and Magic Behind Her Debut Fashion Show
We love seeing South Asian representation in all fields, especially in the beauty and fashion industry. Breaking through barriers and expressing oneself is something to always be celebrated! We had the amazing opportunity to attend an inaugural fashion show put on by South Asian designer, Harleen Kaur, which showcased her stunning pieces catered towards both male and female styles. After seeing her gorgeous designs, we spoke with her about her inspiration in creating the line and what struggles she faced as a South Asian designer putting on her first show.
Q: What was the process like for you during the fashion show?
A: “We had two models walking out at once. That created a challenge because the looks were all coordinating. So, if one look ended up not being right and we ended up cancelling it, we had to cancel both of them. It was a lot of coordination in terms of outfits and who’s walking with who and whether they had enough time backstage for the next look.”
Q: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A: “I like to make sure we have more and more options for sustainable fabrics in each collection. The pool of those fabrics is limited so I tend to start with those and move out from there. If I find one or two fabrics I’m really loving for the collection, it’s easy to find inspiration.”
Q: Are there particular themes or influences that drive your creative process?
A: “I’m really into Monet and watercolors. I’ve always been into those prints because you have to look at them harder to understand what they are. The reason I’m drawn to them is because it’s kind of like a blurred line where you don’t know what it is exactly and that’s kind of what we’re doing with our garments. You don’t know if it’s Indian or not. It’s kind of this in between which is a fun space to be in, but also a really new growing space.”
Q: What is the process like for creating bridal pieces?
A: “There are so many options for brides in the collection but in a more modern way. Don’t get me wrong, I think traditional South Asian textiles are beautiful in their own way, but at the same time, growing up here, I always wanted something that was different and in between and having those kinds of options is so important. Maybe brides want something traditional for the ceremony and something more modern for the reception.”
Q: What do you want brides and grooms to feel when they are wearing your pieces?
A: “The bride and groom tend to lose what they want personally because there are so many different opinions in the room. It gets hard to really understand what it is they want as a person with all the noise. So, I do think it’s really important for the bride and groom wearing our outfits to feel that it’s what they want and not what somebody else wants for them.”
Q: What struggles have you faced in regards to designing your pieces, putting on a fashion show, and being in the fashion industry?
scene and too American for the South Asian scene in terms of press and PR. I want to be referenced to as a designer instead of being put into one box. But, I do think that’s changing. Publications are starting to recognize that there is this new aesthetic that’s happening that is a very unique global type of style.”
Q: How have you overcome these challenges?
A: “I’m continuing to push this thought in people’s minds that you don’t have to be one or the other. It’s really nice when certain celebs and influencers show how the garment can be worn in both situations. On a red carpet at the Critic’s Choice Awards but also out to dinner with a couple friends. Throwing on one of our blazers for a corporate Diwali party. It’s easy to understand it when you see it.
Q: How did you know you were ready to put on this inaugural fashion show?
A: “There were a few reasons why we wanted to go for it this year. Number one, I felt as an artist, when you’re running a business, you have to sell things to survive and you end up compromising what you want to do a little bit. It’s an amazing challenge because I have a vision and then I kind of have to make sure that my vision is aligned with what our customers want. But also there are certain fabrics and silhouettes that I think are beautiful, and regardless of whether or not I think they’ll sell, I want to do it because it’s representative of me as a designer. For the last seven and a half years we’ve been in business, it’s been a push and pull between those and this show was an opportunity to showcase the vision. Also, having something where the community could come and see it all in action was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while.”
It was a pleasure speaking with Harleen Kaur about her experience putting on an inaugural fashion show and the challenges she faces as a South Asian designer emerging in the fashion industry. It’s inspiring to see hard work pay off as well as see representation in new areas! Kaur’s commitment to sustainable and modern South Asian fashion is not only exciting, but is also paving the way for creators to make their name known in a large and growing industry. To shop these looks and more, visit her website!
If you want to read about our South Asian bridal hair and makeup services, check out our other blogs on our website cinderellabridez.com! And if you’re trying to plan a destination wedding, check out luxxescapes.com! Or if you want to learn about Barbie’s experiences as a small business owner and want some tips for your own business ventures, visit her website at barbiepatel.com!