Delhi-based designer Soham Acharya was born and brought up in the vibrant city of Kolkata. Inspired heavily by nature, he attempts to translate his digital and handmade illustrations into placement patterns. Launched in 2018, his label Alpona Designs is built on the foundation of the abstract being completely natural. A representation of his personal style, his palette is bright with experimental prints. It was during childhood when Soham managed to create an imaginary yet creative world of his own, developing aesthetic patterns while doing mundane household chores. Taking this forward, his practice includes garments that are hand-painted, juxtaposed with digital art and indulge in surface explorations.
The designer has also been announced as the GenNext winner at the ongoing FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week. Get to know more about him below:
The Practice
My practice mainly revolves around sustainability, slow fashion, and easy accessibility.
The Sustainable Blueprint
I have tried to use eco-friendly materials as much as possible and the sourcing and making is done from local vendors.
FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week
Nature is no less than a paradise. My inspiration is from nature, its beauty, its harmony of different elements. I have named it ‘The Eden Garden’.
The Process
When I get inspired by something, I frame the concept through my imagination in my language. My process is multilayered. I capture my frame by hand painting and then give a digital touch to it. Later, I put my artwork as placements on my silhouettes and add some surface ornamentations on it. Lastly, I style it with coordinated garments and accessories.
The Fashion of Now
I think due to the current situation of the pandemic period, people need to get boosted up by allowing themselves to wear more experimental silhouettes and bright colours. At the same time, the clothes should be comfortable and functional.
Text Unnati Saini
Date 25-03-2022