Elsa Angel Rose
From clothes and accessories to cards and gifts, a personal touch can make even the simplest things feel more special. In Goa, this growing trend is also encouraging people to explore their creativity while supporting local artists and designers. “I usually get things like keychains, magazines, cakes, letters, cards, mugs, books and more customised. I feel that almost anything can become more meaningful when it is personalised,” said Ambika Morajkar, a 20-year-old student and writer from Fatorda.
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There are many reasons why people choose to customise their own belongings or create personalised items for others. Beyond the joy of owning something customised, the desire to be creative and put effort into something for loved ones is a major motivation. “I feel customising things is about being more thoughtful through our actions. When you customise something, you think about what the other person likes and make an effort to make them happy. The very thought that someone took the time to think about you and went the extra mile to create something you would love is beyond wonderful,” said Ambika. She added, “Customising does not always mean adding too many details or making something exotic. Sometimes, it is simply something that comes from your heart, where you make an effort to make another person, or yourself, feel special.”
Personalising has become a meaningful part of gifting
“Gift-giving is my love language, and it all started when I simply drew a picture of me and my friend together. When I gave it to her, she cried with happiness. At that moment, I realised that she was happier to receive something that wasn’t perfect but was made with my own hands than the expensive gifts I had given her. So, that is what motivated me the most, seeing my friends and loved ones happy because of my little efforts,” shared Snehal Laximan Gauns Gaunkar, a young student from Tiswadi. Snehal does not often give customised gifts, but she enjoys doing so when she meets her close friends. For her, the appeal of customising lies in turning even the simplest gifts into meaningful memories and bringing genuine happiness to someone. “Nowadays, receiving something that another person has put so much effort and time into makes you realise that, ‘yeah, I’m surrounded by good people’. In my opinion, I think many people would choose a small personalised gift over an expensive gift,” said Snehal.
Customised clothing: A favourite in Goa
Jackets and T-shirts are two of the most popular clothing items that people in Goa choose to customise. People often add logos, personal stories, artwork or little details that represent their personality, emotions or something meaningful to them. “ Mostly, I engage with an audience that loves to personalise clothing and wear something unique that helps them stand out from the crowd. Jackets and T-shirts are the most popular choices. Some of my clients also love adding deeply personal elements to their handcrafted pieces. They may have their loved ones’ names incorporated or hidden somewhere within the jacket, or even have photographs transformed into artwork and incorporated into the design. It becomes a way of keeping someone close to their heart and carrying a meaningful memory with them. Some clients have even chosen to embroider the names of loved ones they have lost, or commissioned designs in their memory, turning the garment into something much more than just clothing,” said Cyron Fay Rodricks, fashion designer, stylist and founder of a customisation brand.
Customer demands vary from person to person. “Some prefer to see a digital sketch or mock-up before the final production, while others completely trust my creative process and leave the design entirely up to me. In fact, some clients specifically prefer not to see the design beforehand because they want me to surprise them with the final piece. That creative freedom allows me to understand the person and translate their personality into something they can wear,” said Cyron. “People want to wear or possess things that are completely unique and not run-of-the-mill, while still being trendy or fashion-forward.
Customisation on the rise
Regardless of whether a trend is a passing fad or here to stay, comfort remains a priority. “Oversized fits are definitely in demand because they are effortless to style. You don’t have to think too much about putting an outfit together; you can pair an oversized piece with basic cargo pants, denim shorts or a skirt and still create a stylish, statement look,” said Cyron. The demand for personalised things are increasing day by day as people are becoming more aware. “They are increasingly looking at ways to revamp their old clothing by customising it and giving it a new life, while still keeping it trendy and relevant. Clients are also becoming more aware of slow fashion and sustainable fashion. At the same time, they want to support small artists and local businesses in Goa. So, customisation gives them the opportunity to make a fashion statement, express their individuality and stand out from the crowd, while also making a more conscious choice,” said Cyron.
