Kotha Kabir, the founder and owner of Trésy Chic, elaborates on her journey as a fashion entrepreneur
Trésy Chic is a fresh breath of air – what inspired the brand’s unique aesthetic?
Honestly, there wasn’t any primary motive for starting the business.Since childhood, I have been passionate about exploring diverse dressing styles. It led me to create unique pieces of work that a lot of people fancied. Although I only designed dresses for myself, the overwhelming praise of my creative process encouraged me to pursue a career in fashion. It has allowed me to earn a living through my creativity and, at the same time, draw more people towards my work. My experience and perspective on the profession set my brand apart; it is also evident in its aesthetic and name. In short, Trésy Chic is a well-curated reflection of my personality.
Would you mind walking us through your creative process? What is the most rewarding part of being a designer?
I believe that there’s no absolute formula for creativity. My approach to creativity is identifying sources of inspiration and acquiring knowledge about the project at hand, and studying the market demands. It’s often an internal process to generate and engage with ideas. Inspiration often leads to ideation that nourishes creativity, and that’s what I abide by. However, I do not consider myself a designer; rather, a fashion entrepreneur. The most rewarding part of being a fashion entrepreneur is becoming a part of
THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A FASHION ENTREPRENEUR IS BECOMING A PART OF THE FORCE THAT IS SHIFTING THE DYNAMICS OF THE GLOBAL FASHION INDUSTRY
the force that is shifting the dynamics of the global fashion industry. Subsequently, it allows for much more flexibility; I get to decide when and where to work that suits my circumstances, unlike a 9-5 job person.
How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?
Keeping a balance between these two is crucial as you have to maintain your exclusivity with quality and its commercial appeal. I always look forward to creating a fusion between western and eastern fashion; it has a very chic appeal. It allows you to appreciate the fusion of the contemporary side of western fashion and the subtlety of eastern flair in the jewels and beading.
Has the pandemic permanently changed the way consumers engage with fashion brands?
It’s a sheer blessing that I haven’t had to experience much loss during the pandemic; rather, my business has been growing well. The pandemic has shifted the fashion industry’s dynamics; people are now leaning towards online brands rather than going out to shop.
Trésy Chic is unique, modern and has everything to make it in the global scene. How do you plan to expand the brand over the next five years?
Since I’m not a certified fashion designer, I plan to pursue a degree in fashion design soon. Then I plan to set up my showroom where I will invite new talents to work with, utilise and infuse their fresh thoughts with mine. When I opted for this business, I was overwhelmed at the thought of surviving the competition around establishing a personal boutique. But four and a half years down, I can proudly say that I have never looked back since then. So it would be a rewarding experience if I’m able to make rooms for newcomers to explore their avenues in
this business.
THE PANDEMIC HAS SHIFTED THE FASHION INDUSTRY’S DYNAMICS; PEOPLE ARE NOW LEANING TOWARDS ONLINE BRANDS RATHER THAN GOING OUT TO SHOP