Daydress || India
A few years ago, I had a conversation with Taymoor Atigetchi, founder of Papier, about the impact of his Iranian roots on the way that he does business. That train of thought stayed with me and stayed with me to the point of preoccupation. And so now, here is the third in our series of interviews with entrepreneurs working in and influenced by a variety of countries and cultures. And so today, India. A place of vitality and vibrancy, an ancient, beautiful and spiritual country, hot and hectic and laced with entrepreneurship.
To guide us safely and joyfully through the streets of Jaipur is Gabby Deeming, founder of Daydress. Daydress began with a single blockprint shirt dress. And every dress that has been made since carries that sense of pattern, delight, simplicity, confidence and elegance. These aren’t dresses that are forgotten or bored of, they are treasured and collect memories in their swishing skirts.
Image Credit: Daydress
Image Credit: Daydress
Gabby previously worked at House and Garden. A work trip to India bought unexpected change to her professional path. A block print, a dress, a realisation, a revelation; Daydress was born. After time juggling both House & Garden and Daydress, the fork in the road beckoned and Gabby committed to Daydress full time. The block printing, the femininity, the quality, the independence and purity of her style has enticed a loyal and delightful client base. She now splits her time between the UK and Jaipur and so is beautifully placed to discuss the Indian approach to design, to style, to retail and to doing business.
Image Credit: Daydress
“India is overstimulating, not just the colour and pattern, but everything, especially the energy. It never stops. I’d lie in bed at night, unable to sleep, still seeing patterns and ideas. There’s something about the endless possibilities for creativity.”
Image Credit: Daydress
I imagine that Gabby’s joyful outlook and her lightness of touch mean that even working on cashflow and shipping is an elegant act as she sits bedecked in one of her beautiful designs. Anyone who takes an idea and brings it to reality, anyone who takes risks continually, anyone who is committed to their own aesthetic, anyone who does so with charm and grace, that’s the best story to hear.
Gabby told me that she finished her work day at dusk on her farm outside Jaipur listening to the evening temple drums – I do hope that wherever you end your day, Gabby’s insights and encouragements with echo for you.