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SHOPS Say you’re saree Fashion in India can be exotic and hypnotizing. With a personality every bit as luminous as the jewelry and clothing she sells, Deepti Chhatwal has been running Fiza Fashion each weekend at the LIC Flea for the past three years. One of the market’s most diverse, colorful and inviting stands, the array draws in customers from every walk of life. We sat down with Chhatwal to find out some of the inspiration behind the booth. BORO: How old were you when you realized you had a passion for fashion? CHHATWAL: We have a family business of women’s wear back in India, so I grew up around fashion. By the time I was 16, I joined my dad’s business and started helping him. BORO: How did Fiza come about? CHHATWAL: While I was completing my master’s degree in women’s and children’s rights, I used to visit women in villages and slums for my project work. That’s when I started working with them and started Fiza. BORO: Many of the pieces you sell hold cultural significance as well. Can you tell us about a favorite item? CHHATWAL: Each and every piece we sell is handmade. Our silk scarves are all one-of-a-kind, made using wooden blocks and natural colors and 100 percent silk—beautiful, handcrafted fabrics that you can’t get anywhere. BORO: What are some of the most popular items people request? CHHATWAL: People at the LIC Flea have great taste and appreciate our handmade exclusive jewelry— especially ethnic pieces with elephant figures, colorful beads, as well as big, bold statement pieces. BORO: From where do you source your materials? CHHATWAL: Everything from materials to production comes mostly from India, though we do take custom 16 | BOROMAG.COM | AUGUST 2015 orders for bridal showers, baby showers, wedding favors and corporate gifts. We can help design a custom piece for your business as well. BORO: You have worked with underprivileged women ... what role does clothing and fashion play in India? CHHATWAL: Clothing and fashion is part of our heritage and culture. It’s a part of every woman’s life. Ninety percent of the women in India are working, independent women who need to look good to feel good—not for the world, but for themselves. BORO: Are customers curious about cultural significance when selecting items? CHHATWAL: Yes, they always love hearing about and sharing culture. I love sharing my stories, showing my wedding pictures and even bringing some Indian food to share. BORO: What does the name Fiza mean? CHHATWAL: Fiza means a season of weather… and we believe our accessories and products are for every season. The scarves and shawls are great for fall and winter. Our tunics and coverups are wonderful for spring and summer. Our jewelry line is so wide that I promise we’ve got you covered for every type of weather and for all occasions. Back in the day, the only job of a woman was to look beautiful and have babies. Now, we are farther ahead in every sphere of life. That’s what Fiza really stands for—working, independent, beautiful, successful women all over the world.


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