FaizaRuhi
Image Credit: Aashith Shetty

What inspired you to start blogging and why do you write about fashion? 
R: Republic Of Chic is a collaborative project that Faiza and I started early in 2010. For most part, it is a visual diary of our daily outfits, a handy tool for both self-indulgence and more importantly, self-reflection. It is also a place you can come to for inspiration, focused mainly on unexplored Indian boutiques, stimulating street style both ethnic and urban, and little known Indian designers and models. Fashion blogging, we jested, began as a game of cyber dress-up but we soon realized that this space has evolved into a serious extension of our personalities. We thrive, especially, on the conversations sparked by like minded fashion enthusiasts from all over the globe and there isn't a place better than the blogging world for all these to come together so well.

Fashion means different things to different people. What does fashion mean to you?R: Fashion is my happy ending. :)
What is your opinion about the Indian Fashion industry?R: India is undergoing massive economic growth as a result of which it is slowly being trained in the art of luxury. Indian designers are moving on from trousseau couture and designing for Bollywood to making understated, individualistic, cleverly designed modern pieces and about time too, the urban Indian consumer is eating it up. 
Do you think that Indian Fashion is sometimes a victim of western influences? If yes, why?R: I'm resisting the idea that Indian fashion has been a victim of western influences. Although monkey see, monkey do is deeply ingrained in us as a cultural thing, ;) Indian fashion has managed to keep it's essence intact where tradition, modesty and elegance is concerned.
Describe your style statement?R: Our style is the wannabe lovechild of Indian aesthetics, sequins, Anna Dello Russo, organics-mul mul to be precise, the 60s and 70s, mild decadence and our mother ;)
Which designers do you idolise, nationally and internationally?R: I'm always in awe of Rajesh Pratap Singh for the immaculate tailoring and quiet dignified sobreity that define his creations. Currently and internationally, Miuccia Prada has me making merry with Miu Miu's memorable cats and swallows from SS2010.
Fashion blogging is at a nascent stage in India, whereas in international destinations it has existed for years and bloggers have managed to make it front row to the most prestigious fashion shows. What is the value/place that fashion bloggers occupy in the Indian market, in your opinion?R: Chracteristic to the world's largest democracy, I imagine unbiased expression through fashion blogging is here to stay in India. Lately, we've had a lot of encouragement from Indian media and are thrilled at the recognition. For now, it only makes us want to strive harder, whether or not it takes the same progression western blogs did.
What do you think about street fashion? Does it inspire you?R: Street style is a gentle education in fashion and individual adaptations of popular trends. I find it more accessible than runway fashion and most inspiring.
If there is one thing lacking in Indian fashion, what do you think it is and how can we improve on it.R: Our tendency to indulge in excesses is disturbing. Indian designers must discard illusions of Bollywood grandeur and focus on wearability instead while designing. 
Do you think bloggers are journalists? Or just persons online expressing their views? What is your take on the practise?R: The germination and growth of comment and participation by all people, thanks to blogs, has been phenomenal but it would be naive to believe all bloggers are journalists. In the end, we look to fashion industry experts for credible opinions. I must add though, some very insightful fashion bloggers are fast gaining the credibility with both the blogger world and the fashion industry.
Name one celebrity whose fashion sense you like, and one whose you don’t.R: Among peers, Julia Restoin Roitfeld for the efforless glamour she inherited so well. Amber Rose, on the other hand, is my worst nightmare without pants.
Do you think having more than 6 fashion weeks a year is helping the industry in any way or is it creating a divide?R: I'm not in the fashion business, I can't be sure of the commercial impacts of 6 fashion weeks or more. I can tell you though that I'm endlessly delighted by what each new fashion week has to offer so you wont hear me complain!  
If you were on an island alone, and you had one person you could take with you, who would it be and why?R: Alexander McQueen to pick his brains in an attempt to understand his uncivilised genius and obsession with mortality (and consequently, maybe, talk him out of his suicide?)
Do you think teenagers and young women follow fashion trends/does your blog help advice on what kind of fashion to adopt? R: Republic Of Chic practises to the already style savvy and sometimes, the uninitiated. Advice is a strong word, we do not consider ourselves authorities on fashion, but need a gentle nudge in the right direction? Sure! ;)
What according to you are the trends to definitely adopt this summer?R: This summer embrace nudes, sheers, organics and most importantly, a devil may care attitude. 
Fun Q&A I had with Gunjan Arora on Fashion Blogs in India and the Fashion Blogging Phenomenon for the magazine - Weave. Read more on her blog! :)