Asopalav’s humble beginnings started with a small retail venture in Ratanpole, Ahmedabad, back in 1975. A quintessential saree shop, with four young starry-eyed young men. Since then many significant milestones have been achieved and today Asopalav stands successfully tall as the leading choice for women’s ethnic wear in Gujarat. Not just a category leader but a pioneer in defining and redefining this segment. Read excerpts as Farvi Wadhwa converses with Vikas Bhansali, Founder, and Designer, Asopalav
What is your brand’s USP when it comes to catering to women’s demand during the wedding season?
What Women Want! That’s Something the Asopalav Team Knows Very Well. This is a Pyramid of basically three things: Variety, Taste / Choice, and Cost. Specially Customized Bridal Collections provide the Customers with All the Variety their Heart Desire and When It Comes to Taste – There’s Something for Everyone at Asopalav. From Traditional to Latest Styles, From Conventional to Experimental, from subtle to striking, every woman can choose The Bridal Outfit that says “Her”. Behind this Keen Sense of Understanding Client Needs is also a Monumental Knowledge of Market Dynamics to produce the Ideal Garment – The Perfect Design for the right price – A Key Factor in Asopalav is Growth and Popularity.
How do you deal with changes in fashion at every wedding season?
The Customized Bridal Wear at Asopalav is a Celebration of an Expertise Spanning Close to Fifty Years in Understanding Consumer needs and forecasting Future Trends. The Styling, The Cuts, and the colors Re-Invent Indian Fabrics and Artisan Embroidery into Living Breathing Heritage Pieces of Art and Workmanship, to own and cherish. Every Year’s Collection is an in-depth Process of Studying Current Treads & Styles. The Design Studio then converts this Information into Bridal Garments that Are in Tune with the Years Fashion Scene. This Is Also Reflected in the Cross-Country Selection of Non-Customized Bridal Wear. Picking only the Best in not Just Style, But Also in Quality and Finesse.
Some of the evergreen wedding trends you feel are as per customer demand?
With An Experience Touching Five Decades Asopalav Well Comprehends Evergreen Wedding Trends. As Far As Colours Go Bridal Red Is Still The Obvious Choice, Being The Colour Of The Indian Bride. This Is One Day When Even The Most Colour Shy Women Is Ready To Go All Red. In Continuation Of Confirming To Traditions & Culture, Yellows And Whites Are Preferred For Rituals Like Mehendi And Haldi.
Indian Weddings Are Not Just About The Bride. The Parents Of The Couple, Aunts, And Uncles Are A Big Part Of Not Just The Day But Also The Ceremonies. And The Big Ever Green Favorite For These Women Is The Classical Indian Hand Woven Saree. Catering Exclusively To This Is Asopalav’s Much Loved, Hand-Crafted, Made-In-India Hand Woven Sarees From The Resham Dhaga Collection. These Premium Silk Sarees Are Crafted By The Best Artisans In The Country And Hand-Picked Personally By The Promoters.
How do you cater to the demand for western touch in Indian outfits for bridesmaids?
India Has Always Been A Confluence Of Religions, Cultures & Traditions. With The World Coming Closer With Technology, Young Indians Are Now Citizens Belonging To A Global Community. It’s No Wonder That The Great Indian Wedding Has Also Been Influenced By This. As A Brand That Caters To The Indian Wedding Trousseau Needs Globally, Asopalav Appreciates The Western Impact. Young Designers In The Studio Team Take On This Challenge With Creativity And Experimentation. The Results Are Ramp Ready Indo-Western Garments Ranging From Gowns To Pallazo Pants To Tops As Halters & Tanks. The Color Palette Is Transformed From Red And Yellow To Dusty Pinks, Mauves, And Baby Blues. Fusion At Its Best.
Your future outlook on celebrity design?
Celebrities Are Exposed To Multiple Designers, With Varying Sensibilities. They Are Also Comfortable With Diverse Styles Of Garments. Added To This Is Their Individual & Distinctive Character, Style & Brand Image. Customized Designs For Them Is An Innovative & Challenging Opportunity. It’s About Understanding The Person And Transforming That Identity To A Garment. It’s A Combination Of Psychology & Creativity At Its Core – Something Asopalav Is Ready For.
