International Women’s Day 2018! #MeToo outlined what can be achieved by equal rights movement: Sarah Gonsalves, co-founder, SS HOMME
Sarah S Gonsalves, co-founder of SS HOMME, speaks to Shikha Jain about gender equality and her success journey
From Sita in Ramayana to Draupadi in Mahabharata to Rani Jhansi are not only celebrated women, but also their contribution to social change and awareness had been immense.
Sarah S Gonsalves, co-founder of SS HOMME, has tasted success in life and feels strongly about dreaming and achieving it. “While we celebrate the gender on this day, we have to realise that the message should spread that there is no difference between the genders and both have the ability to earn and create a future for themselves. In the current generation, it is easier as the opportunities have expanded, and the mentality of the public is transforming day by day. With continuous motivation and exceptional support for the women to breakeven and strive for better, a woman is truly independent,” says Sarah.
In contemporary society, the role of women is no longer confined to the four walls. “The #MeToo movement outlined the support that can be achieved by an equal rights movement. As a woman entrepreneur, change shall be accepted, and the space is not just confined to men. I believe in doing what you love and following your passion to achieve the end goal,” she further adds.
Achieving success
Sandeep and Sarah Gonsalves started off by following their passion and believed in re-shaping the Indian market. “We began the journey with a belief that we could reinvent the market and we firmly believe that our work has made an impact. Studying bespoke and creating garments suitable for the Indian body type is what began to be a success. In order to be successful, you need to be willing to listen to new ideas and actively solicit the opinions of others. The idea is to treasure new ideas and opposing opinions; not rebuke them,” states Sarah.
Dreams need an update
She also talks about her biggest dream where she hopes to achieve to be a thought leader in the global fashion industry by producing designs that can be labelled as wearable art. She claims that they have accomplished what they had hoped for, but she thinks that a dream always needs an update. Now that she has realised her dream of creating and maintaining a fantastic business, it is time for an update.
Choosing to be men’s designer
“Construction of garments that boast minimal aesthetics is what interests me the most,” says Sarah. “To create pieces for men, which can actually be worn by gentlemen is what we aim to show through SS HOMME. Working on unusual yet simple designs that cater to the diverse body types of Indian men was the idea when we started,” she further specifies. Menswear design is driven by authenticity, tradition and detail. It generally operates within a much tighter framework than women’s wear. Contemporary menswear design is driven by obsession to detail, reinvention and subversion of the traditional, and sensitive attention to fabrication, scale and proportion.
A special note
Sarah also talks about the things to be kept on mind while building a career. The first step to build a successful career is to be fearless and take up every challenge which comes your way. Secondly, constructive criticism should never be taken out of context and should be taken in a good spirit. Lastly, follow your heart and believe in yourself. Nothing can stop you from achieving your goal once you have set your mind towards it, she says.