DEEYA TAMANG
Founder of T’s Armoire
Deeya is the Founder and CEO of T’s Armoire. After returning from London, she explored various career paths, including event management and television, but she longed for something more fulfilling; something that was her own. At the time, the online shopping landscape in Nepal lacked diversity, particularly in the clothing sector. Driven by her passion for fashion, she took the plunge and still in her early 20s, she created T’s Armoire. The brand’s primary objective is to empower and inspire women through fashion while elevating the fashion scene in the country.
From affordable luxe-looking basics to trendy wallet-conscious pieces, every two weeks, her collection is updated with a mix of what’s trending and what one must have in their closet.
How long have you been in the fashion industry?
I have been in the industry for five and half years now.
When did you realise that you wanted to start your label?
On returning from London, I embarked on various professional endeavours across different industries. However, none of these pursuits proved fulfilling for me. Through this period, my longstanding aspiration to establish my own business coupled with a genuine passion for fashion, continued to resonate deeply within me. Consequently, the decision to launch a clothing brand felt like a natural progression, aligning harmoniously with my innate interests and entrepreneurial spirit.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Fashion is an ever-evolving realm, and currently, I find myself deeply immersed in the allure of 90s minimalism. This inclination is evident in my upcoming collection as it embraces the essence of that era. Moreover, my brand embodies two distinct personalities: one characterised by serenity and thoughtfulness, while the other exudes boldness and extroversion. Our aesthetic philosophy revolves around this deliberate juxtaposition. Therefore, during the design process, I consistently bear these contrasting elements in mind ensuring their harmonious integration within our creations.
What do you hope to bring to the industry?
When I initially launched T’s Armoire, there was a noticeable scarcity of Nepali brands offering both high-quality essentials and fashionable clothing that are indispensable in every woman’s wardrobe. Furthermore, a majority of these brands were not capitalising on the potential of online selling platforms. Recognising this void in the market, I embarked on a mission to bridge this gap by establishing T’s Armoire.
Why is it imperative to create clothing that can outlast the trend cycle?
For me creating clothing that can outlast trend cycles aligns with my commitment to sustainability, quality, timeless style and economic value. It allows me to contribute to a more conscious and responsible fashion industry while providing customers with enduring and versatile garments.
How do you approach all aspects of your business from product design to marketing and sales?
My collective experiences in the fashion industry have shaped my approach to every aspect of my business. We leverage our knowledge, market insights, and brand identity to create innovative products, connect with our target audience, and stay ahead of industry trends. My experiences have taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that we remain relevant and successful in this dynamic world of fashion.
How do you price your products?
I want my customers to see the value in investing in quality pieces that bring them joy and confidence. I believe in creating timeless and high-quality garments that are built to last. Our pieces are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using the finest materials and expert craftsmanship. By investing in my brand, customers can be assured that they are purchasing items that will stand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style. I want my customers to see their purchases as long-term investments rather than mere clothing items.
Shifting the focus from the initial price to the long-term benefits and overall experience, I hope to encourage people to make conscious and meaningful fashion choices. However, we try our best to make the price tag affordable.
What do you envision for the future of your brand?
I am excited about the future and the potential for my brand to make a significant impact on the industry. While my brand may still be considered new, I have a clear vision for its evolution and the changes I hope to bring to the fashion industry.
I hope to change the industry by championing sustainability, empowering women through fashion, promoting inclusivity, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration. By embodying these values and pursuing these goals, I believe my brand can contribute to a more ethical, diverse, and exciting future for the fashion industry.
SONAM SUBBA LIMBU
Fashion Designer
Hailing from Ilam, Sonam Subba Limbu is a Biomedical Engineer who also works for the Government of Nepal at the National Public Health Laboratory. He is a self-taught fashion designer and has been actively contributing to the industry over three years now. His love for stones and pearls inspire his designs which are exclusively handmade, customised outfits for men and women. He holds a special interest in designing gowns and cocktail dresses.
When did you realise that you wanted to start your label?
I used to design outfits right after my graduation. I was also working as a Biomedical Engineer at Annapurna Neuro Hospital at that time. I had very few clients. I was earning extra income out of my work as a designer. People loved my designs and started recommending me to others. I used to do everything from my home back then, and as clients started to increase, I needed a separate place for work and for client dealing. At that point, I realised that yes, now this is the right time to get into the market.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
My biggest source of inspiration is my instinct.
What do you hope to bring to the fashion industry?
The biggest thing we miss in the Nepali market is the consistency in quality. There are a lot of things that need to be improvised to fit into international standards. I will continuously thrive as a brand to fuel these aspects so that I can give international standards in my designs.
My brand has always advocated for the part-time job system for students and for garment waste management. I want to move along with this advocacy, to support more students and urge all business houses to support students and contribute to the environment.
What are your strengths as a designer?
We all have our own strong forte. I really work well with stones, crystals and pearls. The most important thing is that you should always work with what you are best at so that you can create your own trend and values.
How do you approach the various aspects of your business from product design to marketing and sales?
I am still in the incipient stage in the business and in the market. I haven’t got much chance to understand the inside story of the market in my industry. The most important aspect of the business is goodwill, understanding your client’s perception, and the quality of work. My experience with my clients tells me that whatever I am today is due to the support of my clients.
How do you price your products?
Clothing is a way of expressing your personality without talking to people. The way you dress says a lot about you. The focus of my brand will always be to reach out to a larger group of people so that I can serve more and more people. We have different price ranges to cater to every pocket.
What do you envision for the future of your brand?
Within a short span of time, I got the opportunity to contribute to a different sector of my country – the film industry and pageants. I have been sponsoring various beauty queens to represent the best of our country on the international platform. I feel loud and proud to make my country proud. And I will continuously work harder and better to enhance the presentation of my nation through my work. I have always believed that business should be socially impactful and environmentally conscious.
DAWA JANGBU SHERPA
Designer, Phulari
Dawa Jangbu Sherpa has worked in the fashion field for the past six years and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in luxury and fashion management in Paris. With a keen interest in glamorous wear, he studied different collections like Ethereal, September Star Light, Black Swan, among others. His designs are bold, sexy, modern, luxurious, and glamorous.
When did you realise that you wanted to start your label?
After graduating in fashion design, I knew I wanted to start my own label.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am driven by the glitz and glam of the world of fashion. I focus mostly on evening gowns, event wear, and sophisticated designs.
What do you hope to bring to the industry?
I felt our fashion should be improvised to be more precise and elegant. I want my label to enhance the elegance of the wearer as a piece of art.
Why is it imperative to create clothing that can outlast the trend cycle?
As you know fashion trend life cycle has five stages generally i.e., introduction, rise, peak, decline and obsolescence. So, it keeps on changing but I am more into evening gowns and event wear which plays and fits any trend and type of customer.
How do you approach the various aspects of your business from product design to marketing and sales?
It’s quite impressive because I have gained satisfying results and appreciation from the audience with all of my collections which I am glad about.
How do you price your products?
I want my customers to feel the art in my designs and experience my journey of creating them when they see them and wear them. Often people are attracted to the details of my designs and will invest in it but honestly I am really overwhelmed when customers just appreciate my work and feel the concept that I want to portray. I make sure my customers also pay me with great smiles when they buy my designs.
What do you envision for the future of your brand?
Well in today’s context, I can see the fashion industry gradually upgrading. People are into fashion so there is high scope in the coming days.
PAWAN SUBBA
Sense of Click
Pawan was born in Hong Kong and raised, educated and trained in India. He is the founder of a fashion institute called Sense of Click. He encourages younger talent with innovative ideas to collaborate with him thus encouraging the growth of the fashion industry. He has been part of the fashion field for 13 years and initiated his own label eight years ago.
When did you realise that you wanted to start your label?
While working in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s fashion hubs, I encountered several colleagues who were trying to find appropriate apparel for their body type and structure. I just thought of giving it a try with all the knowledge I had.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I have always been mesmerised by the designs of famous designers around the world as well as the beautiful traditional handicrafts. I would always ponder the small changes that would make those designs more elegant and at the same time, more comfortable to carry. This with my immense love for fashion led me to the path where I am fully dedicated to put in all that is required of me. Working in this industry, I have realised that each individual has their own choice, so rather than focusing on a specific design, I now like to explore my clients’ preferences.
What do you hope to bring to the industry?
Initially, I along with my few friends, organised fashion shows showcasing the designs of some of the famous designers including beauty pageants. I did these events to entice people to the world of fashion and to educate them on our ability to present ourselves elegantly despite our different shapes and sizes.
Why is it imperative to create clothing that can outlast the trend cycle?
As the fashion world is ever-changing, creating just one type of design will not suffice the growing demands. It is imperative to create clothing in different designs, sometimes giving a modern twist to traditional wear.
How do you approach the various aspects of your business from product design to marketing and sales?
In this digitalised modern era, every aspect of the business from product design to marketing, flourishes based on how well and how fast you can reach the people. Most of our jobs have been simplified due to social media platforms including FB, Instagram, etc. However, true success comes from dedication, novelty, inquisitiveness, and a chain of trust between different parties related in the business.
How do you price your products?
Needless to say, the first few years were the most difficult in terms of gaining recognition as a brand. It takes time to earn customers’ love and trust. It’s sometimes difficult to make people understand the price difference between perfect designer wear and seemingly similar wear found in the market. But when they understand the real thing that makes a product a designer wear, they won’t have a second thought to price.
What do you envision for the future of your brand?
I look forward to nurturing my brand further to establish it as the first choice for people of all ages.
BISHU GURUNG
Founder, Irida Nepal
Bishu is a creative designer with a passion for fashion and aesthetics. She believes in embracing daring fashion choices and using personal style as a form of self-expression. She likes to explore cultures and incorporate these elements into her designs. Her brand, Irida, established two years ago, takes pride in providing customers with a range of options that are chic, formal and classy.
When did you realise that you wanted to start your label?
I have always had a passion for business; however, I was uncertain about which industry to venture into. But my fascination with fashion and the ability to creatively transform any piece of clothing into a statement made me realise that it was the ideal career path to pursue.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Having spent several years in London, one of my main sources of inspiration came from observing the street fashion and how individuals represent themselves through their clothing choices. Additionally, I used to closely follow fashion bloggers based in London. Their ability to curate outfits has greatly influenced my own creative process. I don’t confine myself to any particular style or category. My label is driven by versatility and the belief that fashion should be an expression of individuality.
What do you hope to bring to the industry?
One of the aspects that I felt was lacking in the market was a thorough representation of body sizes and inclusive options for women. Additionally, I recognised the limited options available for plus-size women. This insight inspired me to address this gap and offer clothing pieces that cater to all body sizes. Through my brand, I aspire to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse industry that values everyone’s uniqueness and capacity for self-expression, regardless of their size.
Why is it imperative to create clothing that can outlast the trend cycle?
Creating clothing that can outlast the trend cycle was crucial to me as I wanted to provide my consumers classic pieces that transcend beyond passing trends. Fashion ought to be about self-expression and personal style, rather than conforming to the latest trends. By doing so, I provide individuals with the opportunity to curate their own wardrobe, reflecting their personal taste and individuality.
How do you approach the various aspects of your business from product design to marketing and sales?
My collective experiences in the industry have significantly shaped my approach to every aspect of my business, from product design to marketing, with a heavy emphasis on customer-centric approach. I continually prioritise my consumers’ requirements and wants, ensuring that every decision and action is guided by their satisfaction and overall experience with my brand.
How do you price your products?
My brand aims to redefine clothing purchases by offering customisation, quality, and a customer-centric approach. Through personalised designs, premium fabrics, and valuing customer preferences, I produce a distinctive experience that contradicts the notion of luxury. Prioritising individuality, comfort and satisfaction, I aim to foster a mindset where clients feel empowered, valued, and content with their clothing choices.
What do you envision for the future of your brand?
Despite being in its infancy, my brand holds great potential to make a significant impact on the industry. I anticipate my brand challenging conventional norms, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating diversity. Through offering a diverse range of sizes and embracing body positivity, I aim to motivate other brands to do the same, emphasising the beauty of all body types. Ultimately, I envision my brand leaving a lasting legacy that inspires positive change in the industry.
