* Age?

Thirty-seven. But she could easily pass off as a teenager. Except that Sangita Kathiwada, who started and runs the extremely successful high fashion store -- Melange, would never dress like a teeny-bopper.

* But there have been rumours of trouble in this beautifully constructed and designed paradise of hers. Apparently disgruntled designers are leaving in flocks.

She denies this vehemently, "Almost all of my designers have been with me ever since Melange started four years ago. Yes, recently we asked Wendell Rodericks to leave; for reasons I can't talk about.

* But what of Narendra Kumar and Sangeeta Desai? Have they shifted their allegiance to the racks of Ensemble.

"Oh no," she laughs, "They just didn't design for some time in between. But they are still very much a part of Melange.

* Okay. But how does she zero into new designers for her shop? Do they chase her or is it the other way around?

"Well, it's both ways, actually. I think it is very important to encourage upcoming designers. Melange is more like a fashion gallery for new designers.

* Honourable intentions. But has she been tempted to bank on more bankable names?

"No, nothing we do here is flippant. Everything is done with a conscience." But she does take fashion seriously. Though she balks at being called a fashion designer. "I am a design person, be it clothes, textiles or interiors."

* Well, what of her creativity then ? Or is she content basking in reflected glory of designers she brings into the limelight?

"I think it is cheap to promote yourself in your own store. I have my own design studio in Byculla, here I just edit."

And here is where she spends a good part of her day too. "This place has a lot of positive energy. Whenever someone associated with Melange has wished ill for it, that person ended up leaving."

* Another one of those new age superstitions? Or did she make sure her shop was Vastu-correct?

"No, if it is, I don't know about it. But ask any of the girls here. They've all felt it." Her girls, driver, computerwallah, peons, all in all amount to 25 people in Melange. "I try to give everyone freedom with their work. Because that it what nurtures creativity."

* And what is Ms Creativity most likely to say?

"Well, I have no idea." Surprising, because we though Sangita Kathiwada was full of ideas, but she finally settles on, "Well, girls roll up your sleeves now".

* And least likely to say?

"Anything that is even remotely rude." A nice girl with a super conscience to boot! And you thought the fashion world was full of scheming, ruthless designers.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.