Step into the design space of Varsha Isaacs and Bianca Jeswant and you’ll find that creativity bounces right off the furniture. There’s a pop-art covered cupboard and a chest of drawers spray painted in pink and black. Beyond mini floral printed dresses and flowy kaftans, dressing ‘stuff’ up is what they do naturally; but then again nothing is too over the top. “We’re big fans of minimalist design,” says 24-year-old Varsha. They call their brand, ‘Which Witch,’ — a fun play on words, but they guarantee that there are no broomsticks on their trousers or tunics. “We were just putting together random words one day and came up with this,” says Varsha. She adds with a laugh, “And it was our parents’ least favourite, but we liked it.” So they went with it.
All of eight months old, the design house was started shortly after Varsha and Bianca graduated from NIFT. “We’ve already put out two collections,” reveals Bianca. “Both were at a designer market in Bangalore and we did surprisingly well,” she smiles and adds, “This ia the first time we will be exhibiting our creations in Chennai, so we’re pretty excited.”
Their brand is low fuss, but high on comfort. “There are no heavy embellishments or embroidery,” Varsha elaborates —”Not that we have the manpower for that kind of thing either,” chimes in partner Bianca, all of 21. Instead, the focus is on fabrics that feel comfortable on the skin — crepes, georgettes, satin and focusing on global trends, reflected by the animal prints and digital floral patterns that jump off their latest collection on the rack. The line, poetically titled, ‘I New Promised You a Rose Garden’, will be showcased at the Vimonisha Mega Style Souk this week.
There are soft pastel shades on casual blouses with simple straight cuts, dual print kaftans with zippers that run down the centre and a striking orange neon mini dress. “We like anti-fit silhouettes,” explains Varsha, “nothing too tight or fitting,” she points toward a satin one-piece that is styled with a purple and blue ombre-dyed effect (merging colours on fabric). The uber-sexy snakeskin fabric dress with a metallic silver side panel would be something to watch out for at the exhibition. And for that exclusive designer feel, Bianca assures, “Our pieces are not mass produced so they’re as one of a kind as they come,” says Bianca. Plus, the prices are kept in budget range to stay affordable to their urban youth audience. “We’ve been talking to a few boutiques in the city, so hopefully by early next year our designs will be in a couple of stores as well,” she smiles.
(Which Witch designs will be showcased at the Vimonisha Mega Style Souk at My Fortune Chola (Hotel Chola Sheraton) on December 19 and 20)