By Othor Cain,
Editor,
Sunday, Dec 15, marks the second time Indian designer Kaushal Vishukumar will showcase his fashions in Jackson.
Vishukumar will be one of the featured designers in the annual charitable fashion show produced by Jackie Chinn Hill for the Carmila China Hampton Foundation. The Carmila Chinn Hampton Foundation (CCHF) was founded out of concern for young children and adolescents who are battling cancer or who have lost one or both parents to cancer or other life changing diseases.
The foundation’s purpose is to assist, support and advocate for the needs of these children. Further to give voice to children and families who have experienced this type of tragedy.
The show will take place at the Jackson Convention Complex at 6 p.m. and it promises to be a fashion experience.
The Mississippi Link caught up with Vishukumar:
ML: How old were you when you discovered your love for fashions?
KV: Roughly around 18 years old.
ML: When did you design your first collection?
KV: I did my first collection in 2014 and showcased them in several shows.
ML: Which designers do you admire or inspire you?
KV: I love so many designers, like Micheal Kors, Calvin Klein, Indian American designers like Naeem Khan, bibs Mohapatra and Indian designers like Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
ML: Describe growing up in your country.
KV: Growing up in Mysuru, Karnataka, India honestly was incredible. I learned values of life, relationships and everything in between. I was blessed to have been born into my family.
ML: What are your future goals?
KV: I want to bridge the gap between the United States and India in terms of fashion and break down stereotypes here in the United States.
ML: Will you explain the barrier that exists here in the states?
KV: In the United States, there’s a misconception that Indians only come to the states for technology related jobs and educational opportunities. We also come for fashion and other entertainment industries. I also want to just inspire people to do whatever it is they like.
ML: What does the word fashion mean to you?
KV: Fashion for me, is feeling comfortable in whatever you wear…whether its a top brand or something cheap. It’s all about creating life into what you wear and representing yourself through your fashions.
ML: How is being a fashion designer, show/runway director and stylist in the United States different in your country?
KV: Well, it is extremely difficult because of culture. The two countries are poles apart and secondly, I do not know enough people here in the states to expand my line or take advantage of the opportunities that exist. I’ve only been here for three years. Finally, I would say, the amount of restrictions that are placed on you when you’re in this country on a VISA, does not lend itself to growth or full expansion.
ML: Preparing for this conversation, I viewed your profile…it appears you’ve done a lot of shows in the U.S.. Can you describe your first show?
KV: Of course I remember it like it was yesterday. It was in February 2017 on South Beach in Miami. I remember getting that show through eventbrite. There was a person looking to put a show together and by God’s grace, I saw that and reached out to him….and things just fell in place. It was a wonderful experience as I ended up directing the entire show and my journey began.
ML: Your fashion trends seem different. What is the message that you try to convey through your designs?
KV: I love telling stories with my designs; especially stories about my culture, my country and my life. I understand both countries and I want to strike a balance with my designs and with my two countries. My ultimate goal is to be accepted in the United States and in India.
ML: Name some of the other shows you’ve been a part of here in this country.
KV: I’ve been a part of show’s like Tim Ried’s Summer Touch Fashion Show in Virginia, Magnifie Fashion Show by America’s next top model Victoria Henley and Miami Men’s fashion week just to name a few.
ML: Finally, as you’re climbing the ladder in the US fashion world at such a young age and in other countries, how does that feel?
KV: It truly feels overwhelming at times…it’s a lot of hard work and I must say that I thank God for all of these opportunities, including being in Jackson, Mississippi this weekend. I’m looking forward to building relationships and I’m grateful for everyone that recognizes my work. Let’s celebrate on the runway.
Along with Vishukumar, Van Miller designs out of Atlanta, and local designer Curtis Gore will also be featured in the show.
Hill, who is the sister to the late Carmila Chinn Hampton created the vision for this show. “I wanted to honor my sister. She loved fashions and we worked for many years with the Ebony Fashion Show and the annual UNCF shows,” Hill said. “She and I started an agency and conducted shows all across the state. I thought what better way to keep her legacy alive.”
This high energy show is produced annually with plans to incorporate out-of-state shows.
For ticket information please call Jackie Chinn Hill 601 317-0404.
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