Swati Ailawadi

Fresh Design Talent : NIFT Raebareli Graduates

7 June 2013

By Swati Ailawadi

If you didn’t know before NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), Raebareli is my alma mater. It has been two years since I graduated, and two weekends ago I had an opportunity to attend the graduation of the latest designers. Promising fresh talent is always a delight to come across. With every class, passing out each year, are tied hopes of witnessing professionals that will shape the fashion and design industry. And being amidst all the ambition and dreams, its very hard to not be on the same optimistic frequency. It is like experiencing spring.

So, for all of you reading this – have a look at what young blood can achieve, especially in a country like India where the fashion industry is still in its blossoming stage when compared to the fashion capitals of the world. We surely have a new breed of international-mindset designers and brands coming into existence along with the country being known for mass fashion and accessory exports. It is a unique fashion climate here, and this is where most of these young talented designers will thrive and find their place in the sun. First the accessory design graduates.

Breathtakingly vivid jewelry by Ankita Singh. I was obviously mesmerized by the detail and the textures achieved. Brings out the Bohemian in me ! One of these pieces would have perfectly complimented what I was wearing (See at the end of post)

Semi-precious Jewelry by Divyata Rastogi. Perfect goddess-like resort pairs and such a thoughtful display in crochet lace tied to a frame. I can only dream of an emerald green fluid dress for a candle-light dinner on the beach to go with these.

Mesmerizing jewelry Collection by Richa Kumari. I am personally stunned by the design detail, a very punk touch to otherwise Indian jewelry craft. The feathers only added to the irresistible-factor.

Graphic Mugs by Abhishek Chauhan. Now who wouldn’t want to have coffee in such interesting mugs? Enough to make a morning happy and awesome.

Mughal Inspired contemporary ware by Manprit Singh. If these were for sale, I would have said pack two ! Well displayed and played up on the color of the year – emerald green. I can imagine those plates and candles in a decor magazine. Add to that, they being manufactured in a small town – Moradabad, where I also spent 2 weeks designing brass ware. Nostalgia!

Gardening Tools and planters by Debashmita Ghosh. Aren’t those the cutest things you have ever come across? Even if you are not into growing plants, you would be tempted to take them home I am sure.

Photo frames, Bookends, candle stand by Somya Mishra. It is hard to pin point as to what I exactly love about this raw finish and color combination, but I do. In the early decades who would pay for a raw paint job product, but the times have changed and this finish has picked up. It’s imperfections lift up a minimal home like nothing does. I am, myself, waiting to get a product like that for my own abode.

Op art inspired collection by Vibhav Goswami. All in love with that round mirror say aye! If Marc Jacobs in his S/S 13 LV collection needed a mirror, this would be it. And the photo frame on the other wall is flat in reality…. so much for illusions.

Moving on, I have to confess that I missed the fashion show of the Fashion Design Department, and could only see it on facebook. A talented Mohd. Belal painstakingly documented the whole event and even let me use the pictures. So from here on the photography credits to him. I have compiled a few looks that I felt were highly relevant this year, and I adored personally. But the fact that I want to highlight the most, apart from the designs, is that the garments were stitched by the students themselves!

Left : Baroque interpreted in neon by Somya Bisht. Feminine peplums, high slits and the color choices all were on trend. A rather empowering collection perfect for the chic fashionista of today.

Center : Active Menswear by Prasoon Prashar. In a world dominated with womenswear designers, it is a welcome change. To top it all, the choice of presenting active-wear, and very trendy at that, is applauded.

Right : Pop Art inspired Rituparna Ghosh. I can’t even start to imagine what an ordeal that dress must have been to create, but along with the crazy bright wigs and the inspiration, I am impressed. Its funny how just in the last post I talked about how Pop art continues to inspire us today.

Left : Black and whites by Anooz Mishra. Even though the whole collection was interesting, this particular piece felt highly functional yet minimal. This is the kind of thing statement pieces are made of.

Center: A new interpretation of geometry by Rashmi Chimote. I am still undecided whether I am overwhelmed by the complexity of the garment more or the fact that it has lights in it, and glows to appear like a necklace. Can I borrow this one when I go partying next or maybe when I have to attend Gaga’s concert

Right : A collection by Raj Haldua. This particular look caught my eye as it felt biker-chic with re-invented colors and textures. The sequins do add an edge.

And in case, all that information was not enough, I would simple like to end this article by what I wore to the event. And no, it is nothing to do with a collar sadly. The sob story on why the last minute change, later.

Maxi Dress – Promod

Necklace – Borrowed from Mom

Bag – Miss Benett

Shoes – Same as the last outfit post. ( Maybe I have lesser pairs than I would like to believe, I should go shopping!)

What to do you have to say about this fresh talent ? Are you too smitten? Leave a comment!

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