Designer Ajay Kumar gets candid about his eponymous label

When we called up Ajay Kumar, the dapper designer who loves his colours and plays around with them on his creations, like an artist with his canvas, he was excited. His eponymous label

Mr. Ajay Kumar is showcasing at Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Netherlands, an experience that means the world to him. In a chat, Ajay, who moved to Calcutta with wife Lavanya and son Siddhant in 2019, from Bangalore, tells The Telegraph why the showcase is so special.

Ajay Kumar

Congratulations for the showcase at the Global Wardrobe exhibition at Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Netherlands...

We got to know about it three-and-a-half months back through an email. We got so excited because Kunst is a fashion, lifestyle and art museum and it is one of the oldest museums. They have garments from legendary designers like Christian Dior, YSL, Givenchy, Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano... so that people come and see. Some of them you have studied about and looked up to and still follow those guys. I am crazy about Alexander McQueen. They also capture the evolution of fashion. They have a block-printed Indian garment from the 18th century.

So, this was very prestigious. We were on the same premises showcasing with them... so it was a different feeling altogether. It feels good, which means we have something unique. It is all about culture. I have always felt that I should create something artistic.

What did you showcase?

We asked them what they wanted. They have shortlisted around 35-40 young designers who have revolutionised their own patterns and aesthetics and given a twist to the traditional garments. We have maintained the Indian colour sensibility and given a modern touch to the garments. We take Indian motifs and make them modern. That was the whole thought when we started. The idea was to take India on a global platform but try to maintain our aesthetics. We sent two ensembles from the Firdaus collection and now it is part of the museum.

What has this experience done to the brand?

This exhibition means a lot to us. I don’t know how much it’ll translate into business but we have some queries from the Netherlands. That’s a good part, but the most important part is the recognition.... It means we have some contribution. There are so many talents in India, but getting noticed is itself an achievement.

Mr. Ajay Kumar at Kunstmuseum Den Haag, Netherlands

Sourced by the correspondent

What have you planned for 2022?

We are working on our collections, but to be honest, I have always felt that my brand should first go for a show. Launching small capsule collections doesn’t excite me a lot. You have to wait for the right moment. In the meantime, you tweak your business but do not lose the essence. People sometimes come and ask me for milder prints, but...

Your clothes are not for the faint-hearted. You need a lot of panache to carry them off...

(Laughs) Correct. Sometimes I wonder whether it is good for our brand or not!

They are lovely and now more than ever we need colours in our lives...

By heart, we Indians are colourful and we like to flaunt it. As a person, I don’t like muted colours. Europeans look cool in earthy tones but if I wear an earthy shade, it might not look good on me. It will make me look dull. If there is no colour, there is no life. I have always believed clothes are an easy medium to energise ourselves. If we can dress happily, it can do wonders for your mood. Wear them with a positive mind.

So, what colours are you wearing now?

I love tomato red, orange...

The colours of the sun!

My sun sign is Leo... so I am a follower of the sun. I also love standing out in the sun whenever I find time.