Meet Simran Kanda, a freelance fashion stylist and photographer who has worked at London Fashion Week since graduating from Leeds Arts University. Simran is passionate about opening up the fashion industry to a more diverse array of people. Her work often focuses on her heritage as a Punjabi woman, and her relationship with culture, family, religion and representation. Read on to learn more!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
I have learnt that networking and collaborating with other students and brand's and working in a team is very important and helps a lot. As when doing shoot's, styling by yourself can be very time consuming whereas if you had a team you will not only save time on shoot but also build long term relationship and maybe future potential shoots as well. It is very hard for me at times to ask for help however I have learnt that this shouldn’t be an issue as when you have more that two people on shoot this is beneficial as they see a vision differently to you and this then could lead to new ideas from a different perspective.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
Currently I am freelancing and working on my own projects linking to my culture. I am trying to use my platform and showcase the talent from many individuals not just in the fashion industry but even sport's, music, arts... all these different things as I feel like you don't see this as much. I am also working on myself as well as in order to create work you have to be and feel at you 100% best.
What form does your work take?
My work is mixed as I am a fashion stylist and photographer I have worked at London Fashion Week backstage and on catwalk I have also done some event work, collaborated with brand's and artists. I feel like it is good to have experience in most areas in this creative industry this will then allow you to get booked for numerous of things. I have had my style work published in magazines and worked alongside some magazines as well.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying / working?
I feel like as a young Punjabi female creative, I represent my community well as I have been in this industry for a few years and every time I'm out working in a team and around people in the industry I'm constantly learning new things every day. When studying at Leeds Art University, I had zero experience in the photography industry but from session and workshops that helped me a lot and throughout the years i saw a massive improvement in my work and photography style.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
In my fashion image making and styling work, I would like people to learn and gain knowledge about my culture, namely Hinduism and Sikhism. Hinduism believe that god manifests in different forms and that there is a circular concept of time. Sikhism being founded by Guru Nanak in the 16th century teaches monotheism. A Sikh is required to follow the 5 K’s being the Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (iron bangle), Kachera (cotton undergarment) and a Kirpan (small sword). This will be done by presenting a different perspective of it within fashion contexts. The theme I have been exploring involves the use of, gold, pearls and diamonds and important fabrics that were used in India in the 19th century.
India’s trade market and fashion industry were exclusive suppliers of jewels, hence with their fascination of jewels such as gold and diamonds it has been in popular demand globally. I make reference to these jewels and fabrics because I am interested in the history of India, specifically the stealing of the Kohinoor diamond from India by the British. Another reason why I am using these references to jewellery is because it relates to my heritage and upbringing as from an early age I was surrounded by the concept of jewels.
Due to the Indian society creating caste systems which are followed to a standard, my family has the caste of a Goldsmith, so they were dependent on working with gold and jewels as their job. Family is an important aspect in my life and career which is why I acknowledge and mix Eastern and Western traditions in my work. On one hand I am influenced by magazines such as Vogue and on the other, culture, and inspirations from the classic Bollywood movies that I have grew up with.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I am very passionate about bringing more people of colour in this fashion industry and to make sure they have a voice and get the same opportunities as everyone else. There is so many aspects of the fashion industry I have experience in and I feel like Styling and making meaningful fashion inspired films is what I'm mainly passionate about I want to educate and be someone to look up to.
What is your plan for the future?
My plans for the future is to carry on working with designers and magazines and fashion shows as this is what I really enjoy and hopefully soon use my platform to showcase this and help other people as well. To spread positivity and carry on and not give up.