BENGALURU: Arpita Ganesh is a bra expert turned entrepreneur and CEO of Bengaluru-based online lingerie store-Buttercup. City Express catches up with the Hyderabadi who now calls Bengaluru her home about her expertise.
Who exactly is a bra expert?
Well you have fashion designers and make-up artists but there are not many people to guide you with something as integral as bra. I have been in the field of lingerie for nine years, so I know how it is made and what bra will best suit a person. I learnt about bra fittings from the best international brands and have set fiiting for over 3,000 women in India since 2009.
How did you get into the field?
When I was in New York in 2008, I went for my first ever bra fitting and it changed my life. A bra fitting made a difference on what I wear and how I feel about myself. My clothes suddenly felt loose and that was because my bra was of the wrong size. Typically in India, we are told to cover up everything so I had spent my entire life wearing over-sized clothes. I decided someone in India should do it so I got into the field through this experience.
How do people respond to the concept of bra expert?
Now I think it has become a “thing”. I think I was country’s first official bra fitter and I am proud to wear the title. Back when I started in 2008, people had not even heard of a bra-expert.
What does it take to become a bra-expert?
They should have a basic fashion background and understanding of the intricacies of bra making. There are official bra courses in the US and Europe, but not in India. A lot of practise is required along with knowledge of math and science.
As a bra expert can you tell me what is the worst bra a women can wear and why?
A bralette. It does absolutely nothing. It has no shape, it has no support, you wear it only for the sake of it. As a fashion accessory it is great but it is nothing functional. I also hate transparent straps because they dig into your skin terribly and ruins your look.
I would be overlooking your dress and focusing on the strap.
Your favourite bra?
My favourite is a full coverage underwired bra from my brand and it is called NELL.