After an overwhelmingly positive response over the 6 Shore Road Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook (here), we absolutely jumped at the chance to interview Pooja Kharbanda, the designer behind the brand.
Having been born and raised in Hong Kong and Panama, and originally a Finance major-with work experience in Information Technology, super diverse Pooja Kharbanda talks about life, passion, and fashion.
Belles&Rebelles: 6 Shore Road's SS11 Collection is your debut collection. Congratulations on that. How exciting! How does itfeel to debut your first collection and how long was this "in the making?"
Pooja Kharbanda: It’s an amazing feeling especially since it was something I had wanted to do for years. The actual collection & brand was in the making for only a few months but to see it come to life was the best part!
B&R: You have a background in Finance. Not only was it your major at university, but you spent some time in the field upon your graduation...What was your "A-HA!" moment when you decided to design clothing?
PK: I was a Finance major but worked for years in Information Technology. I had many girlfriends that were changing careers at a much later stage and that really inspired me to go after what I wanted to do.
B&R: What did clothing, designing, and fashion mean to you, prior to entering the field?
PK: Prior to 6 Shore Road, I was always either painting or creating items for myself and of course a dedicated shopper; all which helped me in creating 6 Shore Road.
B&R: You live and work in NYC, yet 6 Shore Road seems beach inspired (for those lazy days by the pool and at beach bars!)...I was actually surprised to hear you WEREN'T from LA! How did you come to design a beach-inspired collection while living in NYC?
PK: I grew up in Panama, which has beautiful beaches and surrounding islands and which I credit with for my love for the beach! Living in NY, I was also inspired by the carefree Hamptons lifestyle.
B&R: So, how do you justify this brand as a bi-coastal/NY-to-LA-to-ANYWHERE brand?
PK: 6 Shore Road is for anyone and everyone that wants to get away for vacation but also
wants bring some of that vacation into the city that they live in.
B&R: What is your own personal style and how is that reflected in your brand?
PK: My style is a little feminine, downtown chic, effortless – a lot of the collection reflects this.
B&R: Do you have a favorite piece in the collection?
PK: I like them all. Right now, I’m in the mood for the Cristal Relaxed Dress.
B&R: Any hint as to what might be coming our way for the Fall/Winter 2011?
PK: The core of 6 Shore Road is about transitional dressing that is inspired by travels, whether it is day to night or beach to bar. The Fall 11 collection is inspired by Le Baccarat in Paris and continues to have the care free spirit of lounging by the fireplace or sipping champagne with your girlfriends.
B&R: Who has been your biggest inspiration in life?
PK: My parents have been the biggest inspiration. My dad for taking us all over the world at such a young age and my mom for having such fashionable style!
B&R: Have to ask...Who is your style icon?
PK: Diane Von Furstenberg.
B&R: And lastly, a fun/random question. What is your favorite color?
PK: Fuchsia – it looks great on everyone too!
Thank you times a million to Pooja Kharbanda for taking the time for this interview!
xx.
M
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