Goa-based designer and stylist Saviojon recalls cutting
the bottom of grocery carry bags, placing them on
hangers, pretending them to be tops and organising
garage sales with friends at age six.
Oh yes! They were unbearably wearable and didn't sell
a single one. Two decades later he is better known
to do the same. Unbearably wearable clothes. His love-hate
relationship with clothes began at an early age, and
learnt to cut and sew watching his mother do so at
age eleven. With support from cartoonist friend Alexyz,
Saviojon put together and exhibition of clothes cut
and made entirely by him. While still at high school,
he was also asked to design stage costumes by rock
star Remo Fernandes.
Not so fascinated by the regular academic path, he
applied at the NIFT, New Delhi, to formally learn
the craft. His dreams were shattered when he was disapproved
due to his work profile. Determined a career in fashion,
Saviojon took hands-on approach and apprenticed with
asymmetricalist Wendell Rodricks while freelancing
intended for various export houses. His career took
off in 1993 when he won at the first Shopper's Stop
Designer of the Year Award, while giving him a regular
retail space at their outlets. He felt an absolute
high when Diana Hayden wore his creation at the Cannes
film festival the year she won the Miss World title.
In 1999, the Taj Exotica, Goa commissioned him to
design their entire uniform.
Ever since, there is no looking back. Though he has
no formal training, Saviojon believes that learning
is a forever process. Being an absolute control freak
he still cuts every piece from his collection and
likes to blend street with avant-garde making the
clothes unbearably wearable. Better known for his
wild fashion sensibility he believes in quality not
quantity and his focus is on craftsmanship and detail.
His designs reveal that clothes aren't just about
appearance but as he says, "Changing the way you feel."
Effectively he has been able to bridge the art/fashion
world divide without sacrificing wearability.
He admires Gaultier for his humour, Yves Saint Laurent
for his laid back glamour, Chalayan for his intellectualism,
Helmut Lang for his minimalism & Galliano for his
madness. Although he has a rebellious sensibility,
don't expect the usual line. He has evolved from clumsy
couture, distressing, indie punk to the current selvedge
chic. His involvement with fashion has been from the
start and is very high street than high fashion.
At a time when fashion is brushing up on the glamour
front, Saviojon has made it his mission to tamper
with anti-fashion and funk. Although fashion temples
such as Melange, Ogaan, Ensemble and Sosa's are snapping
up his collections, commerce hasn't dampened his passion
for art. His permanent focus is to have fun.
  |
![](/images/blank_spacer.gif"){kind=spacer}