Fashion Designer Interview - Roma, Italia - The Interview Portal

Descrizione

Navigating the world of fashion design certainly comes with its set of challenges, because this field treads the fine line between Art and Commerce

Udeesha Singh, our next pathbreaker, is a Fashion Designer specializing in prints and textiles who did her Masters in Fashion Design from Istituto Marangoni (Italy) and is based in Milan, Italy.

Udeesha talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy fromThe Interview Portal about her work with with Apple Creative Studios which was in collaboration with AFRO AND APPLE, on an Augmented Reality based fashion project.

For students, the fashion industry is dynamic. Stay adaptable and be willing to learn new techniques, work with different materials, and embrace evolving trends.

I was extremely passionate about Fashion and design from a very young age, that directed me towards pursuing this as a career.

I am a Fashion Designer specialized in prints and textiles based in Milan, Italy. I have founded the brand Almond Oct in India (2019), and then in 2022
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

I did my Bachelors in Design from National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad, and completed a Masters in Fashion Design womenswear from Istituto Marangoni, Milan.

What were some of the drivers that influenced me to pursue such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career?
I moved to Italy to get a global exposure to the world of Fashion luxury and design. Since then I have been exposed to different aspects of the designing world.

Milan, being a fashion capital, has given me exposure to trend forecasting, production & collaboration with merchandisers, manufacturers which has widened my understanding of luxury and it has shown me a 360 degree perspective of fashion, design and business.

My inspiration comes from Italy's rich cultural heritage, the breathtaking architecture, and the ever-changing kaleidoscope of urban life combined with a vibrant and culturally rich experience of growing up in India.

The diverse tapestry of traditions, colors, and textiles have been a significant influence on my creative journey.
My creations are a symphony of tradition and modernity. Each design is a meticulously crafted ode to craftsmanship, paying homage to time-honored techniques while fearlessly embracing contemporary trends. This beautiful blend of tradition, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the cultural intricacies continue to inspire my creations.

With a keen eye for detail and a heart brimming with artistic passion, I look forward to carving a distinct niche in the ever-evolving tapestry of fashion.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
I have done many internships and projects while being at NIFT.

Internship with Rocky S for LWF (London Fashion Week) was my exposure to how garments are made for such huge shows.

I had Knitwear design for specialization in NIFT, that directed me to work with Alcis Sports for designing, where I worked on developing a sportswear collection for womenswear Tennis A/W2020 and for menswear Training A/W2020.

Later, when I discovered my interest in streetwear, I went on to do it from Do-Nuts Honey and worked directly with the founder Shristi Drolia.

I worked on my Graduation Project's design collection S/S2019 under Do-Nuts Honey. I worked on developing 3 womenswear collections consisting of 7 -8 garments in each. Each collection includes at least 100/150 drawings and therefore prototypes. We worked through the design process through research, sketches, freehand drawings, and renderings. We created fitting prototypes and collaborated with the product manufacturer and suppliers in India and China

After graduation from NIFT, I was appointed as a consultant for the Department of Cottage & Rural Industries, where I worked towards bringing innovation in textiles, and craft cluster development.

I was responsible for bringing design intervention in Craft cluster through understanding of the cultural context surrounding the crafts.

This includes knowledge of traditional techniques, motifs, and historical significance, and providing consultation on sustainable and ethical practices in the craft cluster.

I also contributed to strategies for market expansion
My role involved designing and collaborating on the production process, and incorporating traditional crafting techniques into modern fashion designs.
For my Masters in Womenswear Fashion Design from Istituto Marangoni, I received a big scholarship, ETRO Scholarship Award. Milan played a huge role in sculpting my career through international exposure.

I attended a month-long workshop with Apple Creative Studios which was in collaboration with AFRO AND APPLE, to promote diversity and inclusion in the creative industry.

I worked with AFRO & Apple's Creative Pro team for four intense weeks on "Alter Space"; it is an Augmented Reality project revolved around working in Metaverse and creating an environment that was exhibited during Milan fashion week at the Fondazione ICA Milano, a non-profit institution for contemporary arts and culture and partner of the program.

My work was focused on creating virtual spaces with the iPhone and the iPad camera and populating them with outfits made with the 3D scanning app Polycam.

I worked closely with the founder as a Special Project Manager, handling the company's administration/planning strategies, developing and managing companies/ clients for fashion shows, exhibitions, and presentations, managing designers, and events like fashion show during the AFRO Fashion Week, ongoing educational workshops, talks, seasonal events like Fab 5, BLACK CARPET AWARDS (it was in collaboration with PWC ).

I worked with Google Analytics and used Excel and Business Intelligence tools.

I also participated in brainstorming sessions with the team to generate new content ideas and contribute their perspectives to the editorial team.

Another essential aspect of my work was nurturing client relationships with communication by displaying their work through fashion shows, exhibitions and talks.

How did you get your first break?
My first break into the world of design was during NIFT. Volunteering backstage for fashion shows is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the industry and gain invaluable experience. It's often a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Navigating the world of fashion design certainly comes with its set of challenges. It's a competitive and dynamic field. The fashion industry can be highly saturated, making it challenging for emerging designers to stand out. Finding a niche or unique selling point is crucial. Striking a balance between expressing your creative vision and designing commercially viable products is a constant challenge. The intersection of art and commerce requires careful consideration. Fashion trends evolve rapidly, and staying ahead or at least on par with these trends can be demanding. Designers need to be vigilant and adaptable. Starting a fashion line or sustaining a career in design often involves significant financial investments. Budget constraints can limit the scope of projects and hinder growth. Working with clients can be both rewarding and challenging. Understanding and meeting client expectations while maintaining your design integrity can be a delicate balance.
Can you tell us where you work currently and what is your role?
I founded Almond Oct in Bhopal, India and am managing it from Milan, Italy.
As a founder, I have worked on setting the overall vision and direction of the brand to articulate the brand's values, mission, and long-term goals, providing a clear roadmap for the entire team, as well as worked on establishing the brand's identity
This includes defining the brand's aesthetic, logo, color palette, and overall visual language that distinguishes it in the market. Developing and implementing strategic plans for the brand's growth is a critical rolethat I play.
This involved market analysis, identifying target audiences and making informed decisions about product lines, pricing, and distribution channels
I have worked with Artisans for product design, development and bringing technological advancements.

I have also been involved in collection development, sketching, illustration, technical drawing, embroidery design, print design, fabric research, trend research, fitting prototypesetc.

Last but not the least, crafting and implementing effective marketing strategies to promote the brand, and building and maintaining a strong connection with customers.

How does your work benefit society?
Yes, absolutely, by bringing innovation in design.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you

A very important time has to be when I was invited as a visiting faculty in Laba Douala in Cameroon to take a workshop on sustainability.

As a visiting faculty from Afro Fashion Association, I conducted a 15-day workshop in Laba Douala, Cameroon, focusing on sustainability through upcycling.

The fashion industry in Cameroon faces environmental issues such as water pollution, deforestation, and excessive waste. Sustainability challenges the industry to explore existing resources and develop innovative, environmentally friendly techniques. I worked with BA and MA Design students to develop a UPCYCLING DENIM Collection from locally sourced denims. The workshop covered concept development, digital design, textile development, final collection design, and collection presentation. Topics covered included sustainability, secondhand clothing, runway analysis, design, idea generation, trend analysis, textile techniques, weaving, and printing.

The workshop equipped students with the tools and knowledge needed to enter the workplace as a designer, preparing them for the future.

Your advice to students?
Getting into the career of a fashion designer can be exciting but also requires careful planning and strategic steps.

I can certainly suggest a roadmap that could make the journey smoother:

1.


Education and Skill Development:


Pursue a formal education in fashion design from a reputable institution. This could be a degree or diploma program.
Develop essential skills such as sketching, pattern making, sewing, and knowledge of textiles.

2.


Build a Strong Portfolio:


Assemble a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include sketches, illustrations, and completed projects to demonstrate your skills and style.

3.


Gain Practical Experience:


Seek internships or apprenticeships with established designers or fashion houses. Practical experience is crucial for learning industry dynamics.

4.


Stay Updated on Trends:


Follow fashion trends closely.

Attend fashion shows, read industry publications, and stay active on social media platforms to understand current styles and consumer preferences.

5.


Networking:


Build a professional network within the fashion industry. Attend events, fashion shows, and connect with fellow designers, industry professionals, and mentors.

6.


Create an Online Presence:


Establish a strong online presence by creating a professional website and utilizing social media platforms. Showcase your portfolio and engage with the online fashion community.
Define and refine your unique design style. A distinctive aesthetic can set you apart in the competitive world of fashion.

8.


Entry-Level Positions:


Begin your career with entry-level positions in the industry, such as assistant designer or design assistant. Gain hands-on experience and learn the practical aspects of the business.

9.


Consistent Self-Promotion:


Continuously promote yourself and your work. Attend industry events, collaborate with other designers, and submit your work to fashion competitions.

10.


Stay Adaptable:


The fashion industry is dynamic. Stay adaptable and be willing to learn new techniques, work with different materials, and embrace evolving trends.

Pursuing an offbeat career is a bold decision, because there are no fall back options and the direction is always upstream, against the tide.

Our next pathbreaker, Shriya, talks about her initial struggles in choosing Fashion Design as a career and creatively navigating the oceanof challenges in her career path,...

Original Link After graduating in pharmacy, Arun Mathew decided to pursue his career in photography. He started off by assisting renowned photographer Mr.

Mathew Mathen and then went on to pursue his Post Graduation in Professional Photography from Life and Light Academy, Ooty.

He specializes in Fashion, Architecture and...

Denims are cool, especially the faded and torn ones But upcycled denims probably make the coolest fashion statement, by promoting Environmental Awareness.

Padma Raj Keshri, our next pathbreaker, works as a Design Consultant, helping Brands and collaborating with denim mills to up-cycle their post-production waste into wearable garments.

Padma talks...

#J-18808-Ljbffr