‘A huge obstacle in our industry is cancel culture’ | Fashion Trends

With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, new mom-to-be Masoom Minawala is a well-known fashion influencer/blogger, entrepreneur and women’s activist. Minawala was one of the first Indian content creators to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, the first to be a head-turner at Milan Fashion Week for designer Vaishali S, and a true representative of Indian fashion on global platforms. Minawala did it all! In an open conversation with us, she told us about her journey, her successes and her plans.

With 1.3 million followers on Instagram, new mom-to-be Masoom Minawala is a well-known fashion influencer/blogger, entrepreneur and women’s activist. Minawala was one of the first Indian content creators to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, the first to be a head-turner at Milan Fashion Week for designer Vaishali S, and a true representative of Indian fashion on global platforms. Minawala did it all! In an open conversation with us, she told us about her journey, her successes and her plans.

1. Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Mumbai.

2. What kind of student were you in school?

I wasn’t very academic at school, although I enjoyed playing soccer.

3. Tell us something about your family.

I am very close to them. You have been very supportive of us from the start. We make it a point to travel together as a family at least once a year.

4. What did you study at university and what was your experience like?

I did a BA in Commerce from HR College, Bombay, and then went to the University of Arts, London, where I completed six diploma courses related to fashion business. My postgraduate studies in London shaped me personally and professionally.

5. When did you first become interested in fashion?

I’ve always been interested in fashion, but my interest was sparked in my early 20’s. When I finished my fashion studies at the University of Arts in London, I was sure that my work had to be in this field.

6. Who did you look up to back then?

I loved the style of Olivia Palermo (an American influencer); it was chic, smart and powerful.

7. How did your journey begin?

My journey into the industry started with an internship at a fashion house where I stumbled across blogging and fell in love with it. It led to the creation of Style Fiesta, my fashion blog, and really fueled my ambition. That was my first opportunity to discover fashion. Little did I know that pursuing a career in this industry would inspire me.

8. When did you first realize you became an influencer?

I realized it when I could actually generate revenue for businesses through my platform and brands were willing to invest in me.

9. Were there mistakes in the beginning and lessons learned from them?

Failure is part of growth and what success is actually based on. So, yes, there have been, and sometimes still are, several failures in my journey. My ecommerce startup, Style Fiesta, was unsuccessful. When I moved to Belgium, I was initially dismissed as an influencer. But I didn’t let that stop me from diving deep into a career I loved and knew I could revolutionize. I saw my mistakes as lessons to help me improve, an incredibly powerful motivator and a sign to do things differently.

10. What do people not know about an influencer?

People don’t realize that even those who are in the limelight are only presenting a limited and polished part of their lives. Many aspects are kept private and are not necessarily as upbeat as they appear on social media.

11. What was your goal when you started in this field compared to now?

Short-term goals have and will evolve over time, but my goal has always been to influence change with my content. Be it with #IndiaILove, #SupportIndianDesigners, Empower – my long-term goal is to empower women and put India in the spotlight.

12. Who is your favorite designer(s) in India?

I have always loved Anamika Khanna’s work and even wore one of her designs for my wedding. While exquisitely traditional, I think her designs exude a sense of modern heritage, which complements my personal style as well.

13. What are the challenges in this area?

A major obstacle in our industry is the abandonment culture, as it doesn’t allow for a second chance. In my opinion, people should be allowed to learn from their mistakes instead of buying from them everything they have built their lives. It’s not morally correct to take people’s entire careers without giving them a chance to redeem themselves.

14. What have been some of your greatest achievements?

Two years ago, my team and I launched a nonprofit campaign #SupportIndianDesigners to highlight small and medium-sized businesses that have been hit by the shocks of COVID-19. The effect I could achieve with this trait was unimaginable. I still get DMs from multiple brands thanking me for #MasoomMagic. Many have shared how my support has forever changed their businesses, sales and revenue, and even helped them truly build their businesses.

Personally, I am very proud to be part of the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list and an ally of the UN Generation Equality.

15. What do you think about sustainable and genderless fashion?

I think genderless clothing is the future of sustainable fashion. Removing gender constructs around clothing paves the way for limited production, inclusive fashion, less and more mindful consumption, and most importantly, for clothing-sharing without gender barriers.

16. You have been an active advocate for local labels and often feature them on international platforms. Please explain.

The Indian market abounds with exquisite handicrafts that can only be found in India and it is important that we give these small but dynamic businesses a national and global spotlight. In turn, these companies not only create lucrative jobs for local Karigars and preserve our traditional crafts, but also drive revenue back into our economy and leave a smaller carbon footprint.

17. Which social issue is most important to you?

Empowerment of women is something that is very close to my heart. It was also the driving force behind my professional decisions. When you consider that 48% of India’s population is female, we must recognize and value the contributions women make in the workplace, economy and home life everywhere!

18. What do you think about the global spread of Indian fashion?

It’s about time the world witnessed the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship that India brings to the table! Our country has access to extraordinarily talented craftsmen, the most intricate techniques and the richest textiles. So it’s an honor to see Indian designers taking advantage of this and making a name for themselves internationally.

19. In your opinion, how can Indian carigars and artisans be promoted nationally and internationally?

Our country is blessed with an exceptional heritage of craftsmanship and recognizing companies that capitalize on this and supporting local artisans is the only way forward. Raising awareness of these businesses through the resources and platforms we have will not only create jobs for our Indian Karigars and drive the revenue back into our economy, but will also keep Indian crafts alive through the next generation.

20. What is your style statement?

My personal style statement is definitely minimalist glamour. A few trends that I think will always be in style are: power suiting, elevated basics, voluminous silhouettes, and monochromatic clothing.

21. Which Gen Z styles do you like the most?

I don’t single out trends based on Gen Z/X categories, but a few trends I’m loving right now are tie-on sandals and cut-outs.

22. What is your favorite cuisine and travel destination?

When it comes to food, there is nothing more delicious than Indian cuisine. I don’t have a favorite travel destination. I enjoy learning about new places and cultures, but next on my list is the Grand Canyon. I’ve only seen pictures but the flowing movements of the sand look unreal and I can’t wait to experience its magic in real life.

23. You announced your pregnancy much later. What was the thought behind it?

I wanted to hold on to the news for a while and shared it when I felt like I was ready. I definitely couldn’t hide it from my community any longer.

24. What style tips would you like to give to new moms?

I didn’t plan on making major style changes. I will continue to wear what suits my personal style. I would share the same tip with new moms/mums-to-be: wear what suits your personal style and feels comfortable.

25. What advice would you give to aspiring fashion influencers?

I want to emphasize the importance of staying true to your voice, your vision and your long-term goals as this has been the guide on my journey and what sets me apart.

26. What are you currently working on and what are your big plans for the future?

We have our hands full with Christmas preparations. In addition, many exciting projects will be developing over the next few months, so stay tuned!