Accessory designer turned footwear designer Arsheen Moosa of Pretty Random is a NIFT graduate. Let’s find out more about her design venture, work inspirations and line up for the By Hand From The Heart Makers Market. Read on…
Tell us a bit about yourself
Art speaks to me. I love scouting around cities and exploring nooks and corners and finding that little something interesting to work with or I simply spot inspiration where I least expect it! To keep learning is something I live by. I’m a fashion design graduate from NIFT and I worked in the clothing line initially. I’ve been inclined to design for as long as I can remember. Along with being the founder and designer of my brand, I also take workshops where I teach people to make fun hand-painted Kolhapuris. The feeling of helping someone create their own pair of footwear is amazing and I love interacting with people of all ages who come for our class!
How did you begin ‘Pretty Random’ and how has it evolved over the years?
While I was working I would experimenting with accessories and footwear on the side and people started appreciating it ,which pushed me to start my own brand of handcrafted fusion footwear. The transition to designing footwear was ‘Pretty Random’ and from there on wards I put my best foot forward. I like mixing it up by adding different materials, styles and colour but still keeping it balanced and maintaining the aesthetics of each piece. I love creating a twist to each piece. That’s the fun in it! We have grown over the years and currently retail in Chennai along with being available online and having a presence in Bangalore.
What is your personal favorite pick from your ‘Pretty Random’ right now? And why?
Currently it would be our line of minimal juttis. We use suede, silks and more making it a pair that can be effortlessly worn from morning to night.
What are you displaying at the By Hand, From The Heart
The last time we exhibited we had a few on display for kids which got a good response. This time we’re back with a lot more fun footwear for girls and boys along with our trade-mark mom & baby and dad & son matching pairs 🙂
Why is making so important to you?
I believe in slow fashion and I enjoy the whole process of it being made from scratch to finish. It’s so full-filling and rewarding to see your product and design come alive and there is much more value to it compared to something thats made in hundreds. Working one on one with artisans and keeping the craft alive is something very close to my heart and is something that my brand would always be known for.
Your favorite work tools.
Pencils and a stack of sketch pads. I sketch even while I’m in traffic, inspiration comes anywhere.
What is a typical working day, like.
I’ve currently shifted base to Bangalore 6 months ago and my workshop is currently in Chennai. So apart from keeping up with that, I work half the day at home and the other half I use for sourcing, heading to the workshop and net-working which is very important for growth.
About the people you work with to create your products.
As I mentioned, I work with a group of amazing artisans who are from Bihar. They are the people behind the scenes and for who we are truly grateful for every single day.
Any design story you would like to share.
When we created matching pairs for a father, mother and their little toddler. That was really special and a whole lot of fun!
Your inspirations: Exploring places, the materials , prints, colours etc, you can never be uninspired. And back home I come from a family of entrepreneurs, who are an inspiration by itself.
Handmade in India / Make in India – what does this mean to you?
Working one on one with artisans and keeping the craft alive is something very close to my heart and is something that my brand would always stand for.
By Hand From The Heart: MAKERS MARKET – 21st Edition
Date: Friday – Saturday, 8th – 9th September, 2017
Time: 10:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m
Venue: Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park
Address: 132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu. India
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