Interview : Archana Kochhar : Two years at Miss World were truly enriching!

Archana Kochhar is a renowned Indian fashion designer known for her vibrant, contemporary designs that beautifully blend traditional Indian craftsmanship with global trends. With a career spanning over two decades, she has showcased her collections at prestigious platforms like Lakmé Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week. Archana is celebrated for her commitment to sustainable fashion and for empowering local artisans through her work. From Bollywood celebrities to international clients, her creations have adorned many style icons. Her design philosophy reflects elegance, innovation, and cultural richness. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her creative journey, inspirations, and vision for the future of Indian fashion.

From a modest college exhibition to dressing some of India’s biggest stars, the journey of this remarkable designer is nothing short of inspirational. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her beginnings, her foray into Bollywood, experiences with Miss World, and how she balances creativity with business acumen.

Tell us about your beginnings. How did you get into designing and what led you to this profession?

I believe the seed was planted when I was just 17 years old. I gathered four of my friends and convinced them to do something creative and fulfilling. I told them it could be one of the best things we’d ever experience. That’s how we started Juncture — a small curated collection that we showcased in a hall right next to NM College, where I was studying at the time. To our surprise, the event went really well. That was the moment I realized people were connecting with my design sensibility, and it gave me the motivation to explore this path further.

After getting married, I officially launched my own label — completely self-funded. I had no capital, just the determination to create. I made one collection, and it sold out. I used the revenue from that to produce the next one, and it’s been a step-by-step journey ever since. People often think it’s all about creativity, and while creativity is at the heart of it, I also believe that the ability to work with people, nurture relationships, and maintain consistency is just as vital. With hard work, blessings, a little luck, and support from those around me, I’ve managed to keep going — and now, nearly three decades later, I look back at this journey with immense gratitude.

Did you ever consider becoming an actress in the early years of your life?

No, acting never really appealed to me. However, my mother would always say that we have good brains and good bodies — and that we should use our brains to build something meaningful. That stayed with me.

How did your journey into Bollywood and the glamour world begin?

It happened quite organically. We had opened a store in Juhu, and slowly, people from the glamour industry began walking in. One thing led to another, and before we knew it, we were designing for actors and celebrities. Being based in Mumbai definitely helped — the proximity to Bollywood made these connections easier. Over time, we had the privilege of working with incredible names like Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Rakul Preet Singh, Malaika Arora, and many others.

In your opinion, who’s the best and worst dressed in Bollywood?

Honestly, I feel everyone today carries themselves with confidence and flair. Celebrities truly own their looks and bring their personality into every outfit. That’s the real differentiator — the way they embody a garment. So I wouldn’t say anyone is poorly dressed. They all have a unique sense of style and the confidence to pull it off.

Is there any actor you especially enjoyed styling?

That’s a tough one — I’ve enjoyed working with all of them. Each actor teaches you something different. They are detail-oriented and particular about fit and finish, which, in turn, sharpens your own skills. Every collaboration has contributed to my journey in some way or the other.

Do some actors take a deeper interest in the design process? Have you had to go the extra mile for any?

Yes, many actors today have a refined understanding of fashion. It’s an important part of their image, so naturally, they are more involved. I remember the first time we styled Rana Daggubati — his arms were incredibly long, probably the longest I’ve ever worked with! We weren’t even in Mumbai at the time, so coordinating the fit was a challenge. But he was a delight to work with — humble, professional, and appreciative. In general, most actors are respectful and cooperative. We’ve been in the industry long enough, and that mutual respect makes working together smoother. Of course, each actor has their quirks, and it’s our job to accommodate those gracefully.

Let’s talk about your experience with Miss World Telangana. What was that like?

It was one of the most exhilarating yet challenging experiences of my career. It was the second year of Miss World in India, and Telangana’s very first. The scale was enormous — we managed nearly 240 outfits. Just transporting them back and forth was a massive logistical effort. The design and production process involved sleepless nights, meticulous planning, and tireless dedication. Despite the exhaustion, it was deeply rewarding. Watching our creations on stage made it all worth it.

You were associated with Miss World for two consecutive years. How do you view that chapter of your journey?

Those two years were truly enriching. They taught me a lot — about discipline, leadership, and what it takes to manage high-scale events. Initially, it was a one-time engagement, but we were invited again the following year, and we accepted. We haven’t committed to any future collaborations yet, but if the timing works out, who knows? It’s always about the right opportunity at the right time.

Do you design for the general public as well? How do you manage pricing?

Absolutely! We design for everyone. A common misconception is that designer wear is always prohibitively expensive. But when you consider the hours of skilled craftsmanship — some garments take over 500 hours of embroidery and handwork — the pricing is justified. Even fast fashion retail stores are becoming costly now. Our goal is to ensure value for money. For the quality and detailing we offer, we keep our pricing fair and thoughtful. We have a wide base of clients who appreciate and support our work.

In this digital age, how has social media helped your brand?

Social media has been transformative. My daughter joined the business about five years ago and began building our digital presence and online store. Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we’ve managed to reach clients across the globe. It’s like having a virtual showroom open 24/7. Earlier, we couldn’t imagine having such a wide reach — but today, we connect with customers from every corner of the world.

Apart from India, which international markets are your strongest?

The USA is definitely our biggest international market. There’s a large and discerning Indian diaspora there that appreciates quality, craftsmanship, and cultural aesthetics. They value traditional artistry, and our collections resonate well with them.

Is there a celebrity or sportsperson you dream of designing for?

Not particularly. The world of fashion and entertainment keeps evolving, and there’s always fresh talent coming in. If we ever want to work with someone specific, we reach out — and usually, it happens. That’s how organic this industry is. But I do think it would be exciting to do a major fashion show in the U.S., perhaps with iconic personalities walking the ramp. That would be something unique and memorable.

Lastly, would you say your Miss World experience helped your business grow?

Without a doubt. Miss World gave us significant visibility and public relations exposure. Being associated with a global platform elevated our brand and introduced us to newer audiences. That level of reach and recognition is invaluable for any designer.

Archana Kochhar’s journey from a young dreamer at NM College to a celebrated designer with a global footprint is proof that vision, determination, and humility can create magic. As she continues to evolve with changing trends and technologies, her passion for design remains at the heart of her every creation.

By Keerti Kadam