INTERVIEW with Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 Designer - SoulSilk

Above: Photo by SiminCo.photography

SD: Hi Simin, for my readers who don’t know you yet, can you please introduce yourself?



S: I trained as a Graphic Designer and Photographer- M.Design from National Institute of Design, India. Through my 6 years of being a student, my fascination for colour on textiles continued to grow. Coming from a city that was (and still is) the textile capital of India, it was natural for me to be exposed to it on a variety of levels. Graphic design fueled my obsession for print on textiles.

Soon after graduation I began my experiments with print on scarves. It was a good place to start as I have always been a great fan of wearing scarves. With ample access to block & screen printing, my first attempt was successful as a print job done well, but the satisfaction of what I had in mind was missing. That took me back to researching more techniques. I came across silk painting (which originated in China and slowly found its way to Europe and Asia). Unlike traditional methods that were available to me that could mass produce the same design, painting on silk made mass production of a design near impossible rendering each piece to be unique and with no waste!

This was it! I could now create a unique scarf, something that could not be copied or mass produced easily. I have been painting since 1999 and love every aspect of it- From creation to the final photoshoot! 

SD: What was the biggest inspiration behind your latest collection?

S: Every collection I create is inspired by either books I have read (mostly historical fiction) or my surroundings. The launch of every collection is accompanied by a whole lot of research done behind my chosen subject and I do write a blog about 'behind the scenes' of my creativity. My latest collection is based on an ancient motif and technique that has travelled from  Persia to the Indian subcontinent- subsequently taken away to Britain during the almost 200 year British rule of India. A technique originally used for woven designs, now translated world-wide for print!

SD: What helps you get in the zone when you’re designing?

S: My favourite way to work and create is- alone in my own studio space at home with blaring music! Music allows my brain to shift into a space where my sensitivity to colour  and form is heightened. Listening to a variety of genres from Jazz to Pop to Classical depending on the pace I want to adapt to. This is also when I tend to disappear from social media. 

SD: How do you want people to feel when wearing your pieces?



S: When anyone chooses to wear a SoulSilk piece, be it resort wear or a scarf, I want them to feel special, unique- just like the carefully hand painted silk I have created with love and care. SoulSilk products are designed and created keeping in mind that no two individuals are the same and so why not wear something special that is solely you! Why blend into the crowd of common and mass produced, when you can stand out and make a statement for yourself- whether subtle or out there!

SD: What is your favourite part of being a designer?

S: Ooooh! The best part is being able to bring my imagination to a tangible product that can be appreciated and worn with delight!

SD: Without giving too much details away, what should we expect from your collection for Brisbane Fashion Month? 

S: Let’s just say we are looking at wearing scarves, not just traditionally but as tops this season-getting the young ones on board with silk scarves!

Showcasing some of SoulSilk's new designs from the Terra Australis collection this October with BFM, and we will also see the launch of my new collection that is inspired by an old traditional technique as mentioned above.

Tickets are going fast. If you want to see SoulSilk on the runway, get your Brisbane Fashion Month 2023 tickets here

Brisbane Fashion Month Website: http://www.brisbanefashionmonth.com.au/
Brisbane Fashion Month Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brisbanefashionmonth/
Brisbane Fashion Month Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brisbanefashionmonth/

SoulSilk’s social media presence:

Website: http://www.soulsilk.co/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/soulsilk.co/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/soulsilkbysimin/

Above: Photo by SiminCo.photography