I am not a big fondant fan. To be honest, I don’t even know anyone who actually eats fondant, except kids off course. My interest in making fondant cakes was led by Bay Area’s expensive bakery stores. Well, when I can buy my favorite pair of shoes for the price of two cakes each year, why not (no pun intended)?

In the process of learning how to make fondant cakes, I realized how unhealthy birthday cakes really are. I mean, we serve all Organic and Non GMO to our kids through out the year and then on their most special day, we offer them this chemically loaded cake. The mother in me was hit hard by this  self-realization. So I did some research and found other options which are just as sweet as regular cakes but more healthier for my kids.

Here are the things that I have used to make my 7 years old boy’s cake:

Simply Fondant Elegant White from Simply Fondant

European Gourmet Bakery, Organics, Chocolate and Vanilla from Safeway

Color kitchen Real Food Color Red and Blue from Whole Foods

Prabal Gurung’s fall 2017 show is yet another reason why he is one of the most admired designers today. A truly brilliant artist who walks the talk - quite literally! This show is his tribute to feminism…to women. He has said many times, “A woman’s greatest strength comes from embracing her femininity and being unafraid of the way she is”.

His fall 2017 collection at NYFW show began with raising the question, “What does it mean when someone says a woman should dress like a woman?” A strange question to ask as our answers slot us in different categories!

Fashion is frivolous but not anymore! We all know fashion and femininity can’t be pulled apart from each other - they are two sides of the same coin. And in the modern world, “femininity is embracing your true self, making a choice and voicing what you believe in.”

Look closely and let it sink in ‘cause “this is what a feminist looks like.”

Image Source: 

www.vogue.com

www.instyle.com

Saloni Rathor, a designer who is all set to launch her new women apparel brand AGAATI is extremely excited to showcase her latest collection this summer. Born and raised in India, Saloni grew up dreaming about designing clothes for women. Life took her to Singapore where she launched her own independent label, Saloni Rathor Style House. Saloni then moved  to New York to pursue a degree in fashion from Parsons School of Design. After working for brands like Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), Oscar De La Renta, Naeem Khan and Zac Posen, Saloni decided to start working on her dream brand - AGAATI. AGAATI is going to present ready to wear women’s clothes that are bold, sophisticated, luxurious and chic but created in a sustainable way - it is the new voice for a better tomorrow. Fashion is viewed as frivolous but AGAATI aims to create a  substantial impact in the world by introducing socially responsible fashion. I was fortunate to meet and talk to her recently. Here is her journey described in her own words…..

Agaati is…

“Is an evolving reflection of my life and very personal voice.” Just because its about the brand can we say the below instead;

The brand we vision is one with a soul that is bold and beautiful, creates eclectic wardrobe for women who inspire so much with their beauty and strength. And while doing so we want to practice a little pay it forward by being conscious of the impact their actions have on nature and our communities. AGAATI will be a voice that will share with people about value of slow fashion and how their participation can contribute to a better planet and better life for lives their shopping will impact.

Your Journey….

It started from a different world, a corporate world filled with marketing strategies and budget sheets. I worked in multiple countries and companies but the passion for design that was in me from my childhood days pushed me to take this path less taken.  I gave up my stable job in Singapore to venture into my dream with a very strong support from my husband and ever since then, I haven’t looked back.

It all started with Saloni Rathor  Style House, an independent label, offering ready to wear designer clothing for women. It was not easy to find a space in the industry that is full of many established players and ever evolving talent. I started as a self taught designer with no technical background! I learnt valuable lessons from my mistakes. One example was I made several trips to India to finalize procurements from independent factories. There were problems with my technical specifications as I was not a trained designer. When my first order arrived it came with many size and fit challenges. Getting the sizing correct is a very technical process and good amount of research and knowhow of garment construction goes behind it. It is almost like being its own form of science that needs many experiments and validations to get it right.. Singapore also had limited number of that added to managing sampling and production remotely an additional. I do not give up easily though. My friends in India were a huge support system and I will always be grateful! I learnt to sew from a fashion student and did several alterations by my own hands.

I was also fortunate that Singapore gave me a platform to learn at great speed the business of fashion along with the creative processes. I was selected into PARCO next, an incubator program for emerging designers. I met many new design friends, beautiful minds who inspired me so much with my own process. With help of mentors, I developed into a much stronger fashion entrepreneur.

East to West…

Something big came along orchestrated by my husband’s. I was comfortably settled in Singapore with a loyal following for the brand there but always felt that the designer inside me needed to evolve.  My partner, Amar was the pillar of support, he pushed me to chase my dreams. When I got accepted at Parsons School of Design, New York, I knew it was time to pack my bags, turn my world upside down and move ahead. It definitely was not easy. It’s never easy to give up your stability for something unknown but Amar made it easy for me! After approximately 8 years in Singapore, it wasn’t an easy decision make the move and leave all my friends, who were like family, behind.

Parsons Journey…..

I became a trained designer but what made a huge difference for me were the wide exposure I gained at Parsons, New York the people I met from all parts of the world. I got introduced to the concept of “zero waste” and many futuristic designs – it was an experience of a life time. I learned to love sewing and draping being unaware of how many hours had passed by before my body clock would signal me that it was time for a nap, not sleep but nap. It’s collaborative environment helped me build relationships that will last a lifetime. An institute with an accomplished alumni base like Parsons, always keeps me motivated. I gained valuable experience from internships at well established brands like Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), Oscar De La Renta, Naeem Khan and Zac Posen. Parsons is a very special place and will stay in my heart forever.

Moving to Silicon Valley….

Happiest moments of my life are when I see my creations finally brought to life when worn by these amazing women around me. I love when people dress-up, look good, corporate dressing is never boring for me. When I moved, I missed the energy and vibrant fashion culture of NY.  I initially thought I landed in a place with very less creative job opportunity. In the few months I found varying rolls such as Technical designer at GAP and Merchandising role at Byer California. I also tried being an online shopper and stylist. I had to do something than just wait. I have definitely learnt a lot even from these short termed roles. But time was of essence and I had to jump on another big adventure and give myself a chance again. That is when as small miracle God keeps throwing my way, another one knocked. I was offered a business proposal and the rest what followed you will see in next few weeks countdown!

On personal front, we, as a couple, have experienced a significant growth in our perspective to our and others life. We have started to value and encourage healthy life style. California brought before us the concept sustainable lifestyle very convincingly that we decided the way forward for the business will be as such too.   The essence of caring for the environment and nature has become so important for us.  I love this place, Silicon Valley culture where everyone is always so ready to help each other! Something very rare in today’s world. I am slowly meeting new people and they are all wonderful. The entrepreneurial spirit is so strong, how could I stay away from it! Isn’t it interesting that AGAATI is designed from Palo Alto, the booming hub for everything and anything technology? We are the underdog:)

Saying all that I have to admit, “I miss city life so much!”

This Summer…..

Watch out for our new summer collection - beautifully curated outfits – bold and beautiful but in sustainable way. Sustainable for AGAATI is using eco-friendly fabrics, making sure we have partners who follow Fair Trade and we will be working with artisans very closely. We are trying to represent minority - this time our collection will represent Varanasi - the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.  There is a pilot project for us on the way which involves a small weaving community in Varanasi - you will get to see “behind the scene”, to know what all goes into making of your beautiful wardrobe. Stay close and watch us!

AGAATI will be bringing eclectic wardrobe and encouraging women to get past their comfort zone and try out something bold and colorful without feeling guilty! We say don’t disappear in the crowd, don’t be like everyone in the room, why fit in when you can stand out and just be “ONLY YOU”

Last word…..

Live and let live! Be progressive not only for oneself but also help nature and working communities to find its progressive path!