Groomed to succeed

A Dubai-based Indian designer presents her work at Bride 2002

It takes years of perseverance to make an impression in the competitive world of India's fashion wear. For Dubai-based dress designer Sharda Whabi, it has been an extraordinarily smooth journey.

In a matter of a year-and-a-half, she has developed a production unit of 100 workers, participated in various fashion shows, and has been featured in Indian magazines and television.

She is rubbing shoulders with the big players of the fashion industry like Tarun Tahiliani and Krishna Mehta at the Bride 2002, which opened at the Dubai Trade Centre on Sunday. Her collection will be shown at a fashion show at 12 noon today.

"I believe there is a purpose behind everything in life and nobody should lose hope when things seem discouraging," says Sharda.

Her positive outlook helped overcome difficulties in the past. Her passion for designing was rekindled when she was confined to bed for three months in Mumbai after she fractured her ankles.

"It was like a ray of hope for me that kept me going during my days of confinement. That was when I decided to pursue dress designing professionally," Sharda says.

Though she had been designing dresses for close members of her family, she had never taken it up seriously until her accident. Sharda has been residing in Dubai for over 15 years, since she married Mahesh Whabi of Astoria and Ambassador Hotels. She has two sons, Arjun and Niranjan.

"I have always had a flair for art and enjoyed working with colours. My elder son also seems to have the same creative talent as he enjoys sculpting," says Sharda.