Tell us a little about your background -- how did you get into the fashion industry?
I had a great admiration for fashion from a very young age and was actively involved with styling and choreographing events during my school days. Soon this passion and admiration became an addiction and I landed at Canberra Institute of technology in Australia for a graduation course in fashion, which I passed with high distinction in 2005.
Did you intern under an established designer before you started off on your own? How important do you think it is to start off under someone else's wing?
During my graduation I did my internship under Wayne Cooper. After graduation at Canberra I realised that training was profound, with no room left for any shortcoming, then I joined the establishment of an Australian label, SABA, which provided me with a fair idea of the practical business aspect of fashion. My western education will, I think, surely help me grow global.
What is it like to start out on your own so young in this industry?
To start young is always beneficial, you get the affection of all the seniors in the industry, which gives you so much energy to cope with the stress. But sometimes I do feel it’s a Himalayan task.
Which was your first major showing/ assignment that paved your way to getting noticed in fashion circles?
My selection at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in April-May 2007 got me a chance to get noticed.
What is it like running your own business on a day-to-day level? Paint us a picture of your average workday.
Work is non-stop because when you are in a creative field you can get inspired at any time or place and you have to be ready for it. However, my day starts early at 9 by getting to the studio and then it's a constant battle for attention between my pattern drafter, tailors, embroidery people, printers, capturing my creative ideas and remembering to eat. But I am glad that every segment of design gets my personal attention, which does not go unappreciated by my clients.
Which has been your best showing /assignment so far in your career, and which has been your worst?
During the second year of graduation my collection was displayed at the national museum of Australia and at Canberra fashion week I was judged the best. I recently concluded an exhibition called "YATRA" in Hyderabad where I presented my festive collection, which got an overwhelming response. Choosing the best of the best is too difficult and the worst does not exist in my book.
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