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Bera wearing one of her collections
Indian delight
29/10/2004
RISING fashion designer Bera Kalhan is to open her first
boutique in Manchester.
Her label, Saffron Collections, made its debut in spring 2004 and
the elegant fusion of east and west designs has been a hit with
customers.
Now the 32-year-old former PR girl is looking for a suitable outlet
in the Deansgate area of the city.
Said Bera: "Manchester is a happening city and since I already have
a lot of clients up here this is a logical move."
Her outfits are mainly western cuts but the fabrics used are all
from India, with plenty of silks, chiffons and dazzling
embroideries.
Every design has been created by Bera whose aim is to make feminine
and sexy outfits for women of all sizes.
Said Bera: "The winter collection which has just come out is very
sleek and looks good whatever size you are. I was a size 16 and
have now dropped to a size eight so I personally know what kind of
designs will look good on bigger and smaller women.
"The cuts are very western, quite similar to Karen Miller, but they
are all made in India because the craftsmanship there is top
quality."
Bera became inspired when she broke from PR and treated herself to
a world tour.
In India she bought fabric samples, boxes of jewellry and returned
home with two options of where her life would take her. The first,
was to set up a luxury resort in the Caribbean; the second, was to
design her own feminine and sexy women's wear collection.
Bera aimed to put together business plans for both ventures, but
soon shelved the five star resort for a later stage in life, as her
passion for fashion took over.
Said Bera: "The sampling and manufacturing process was a huge
learning curve but after much negotiation and a bit of help from
family, I returned to the UK in May 2004 with my collection
complete.
"My first step was to sell to family and friends and within just
two months, I had sold out of most of the first collection.
"Friends and family parties led to more parties, exhibitions,
networking lunches and I ended up with little stock and a list of
parties for my autumn/winter collection.
"The parties are fun, you get to meet your customers in an informal
environment and get real feedback which I am learning a lot
from."
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