Satya Oblet

Indian in Paris

You can't help but notice him in the L’Oreal advertisements. The dark, brooding man with spiky white hair. Yes, you’re right, he’s Indian.

And yes, you have seen him walking the ramp for international designers on Fashion Television. That, dear readers, is the Indian born Satya Oblet, for you!

The French Connection

Born in Pondicherry, Satya was adopted as a baby by a couple of French origin. You might remember that Pondicherry was a French colony in the old days.

This twenty-five year old was a purser with Air France a few years ago, but chucked it up to become a model. He got his portfolio done by Jean Paul Mondino, the guy who did the video for Madonna’s Justify My Love.

The Exotic look

Mera pyar shalimar

Recently, Satya was in Delhi on personal work where we caught up with him.

"I’ve been in Delhi for almost a week as I’m working on an international clothing line called Shalimar."

Satya is creating this fashion line in collaboration with an entrepreneur friend, Christian Cassagneres.

According to Oblet, "Christian and myself will be taking care of the business aspect of it, while a French designer will put the collection together." The designer has not been formalised, however.

And what will be the hallmark of this collection?

"Well, the clothes will be essentially Indian as we will use Indian fabrics like silk and Pashmina. We will also incorporate local designs and motifs for traditional embroidery."

But..

Unfortunately, the line is being created only for the international market and will be available in cities like Paris, Milan, Los Angeles and New York.

"Maybe after the line picks up in the rest of the world, will we think of marketing it in India," says Satya.

But why the Indian slants to his line?

Says Oblet, "Indian fashion has a tremendous appeal in the West and that’s why we are experimenting with this line!"

Indian Designers not happening

When asked if he knew any Indian designers, Satya says he’s never heard of any big names although locally so many of them claim to have arrived on an international level.

"Indian designers are just not visible anywhere on the global arena. All this while, I’ve done just one show for an Indian designer and I don’t even remember her name anymore."

Persis still reigns

Satya has never even heard of any Indian models making it big – except for Persis Khambatta.

In fact, he does not even know that the current Miss Universe and Miss World are from India.

Is there any scope for Indian models to make it big in Paris?

"Of course there is! But they need to be pushy. The reason why Indian models haven’t made it big abroad is because they are not pushy enough," says Oblet, and adds;

"They’ve got the right look, the perfect complexion and are well groomed. But they lack determination."

Last few words of Wisdom

Giving Indian models further tips, Satya says that work in Milan or Paris within a month’s time is next to impossible.