Ms.Shubhra Chaudhary Renowed Fashion Designer

In an interview with NNE, she epitomizes her passion for the nascent world of fashion.:

I completed my training in fashion technology from National Institute of Fashion Technology-NIFT, Hyderabad. Basically belonging to Bihar, I completed my schooling from there, then came to Delhi. Came here and pursued one year course in Fashion Designing. Then went to Hyderabad to realize my long-cherished dream at NIFT for four years. Alongwith, pursued a diploma course in export management from Chennai.
After my training days at NIFT, I came back to Delhi and launched my own label- zeal. .

» What inspired you to get into fashion designing? Any hiccups in the beginning?

I always had a strong inclination towards this field. I always believed in the fact that what matters most is your zeal to go after your dreams. I still believe, attitude of a person matter a lot in deciding the height a person achieves both in his career and his/her life. When I wanted to foray into this field, people said, despite being such a good student why you are so eager for joining NIFT, but now all of them feel good about my decision. I took science, Maths and biology, but never thought of medical and engineering as my career. This was despite the fact that I topped both my school and college exams. Since my start, I knew of my target. I strongly believe every student should have such spirit.

» These days, Indian designers are making waves all across the globe. How do you see the change?

Yes, the change is really exciting. India has always been known as one of the world's most diversified countries and is known for its rich cultural heritage. The fashion designers of India are not only getting famous nationally but also in the international market for their beautiful designs.Its true, before 80s we did not have so many opportunities. But India was always very rich in ornamentation fabric. Now, no country can beat us in weaving technology. Earlier we had no platform, now Paris Milan and London all are being rocked buy Indian designers.

» How do you see the Indian educational system, particularly with reference to professional training in various fields?

Today, I feel there is a big flaw in our teaching mechanism. A large chunk of our population still believes in the myth that if you choose Maths subject, you are destined for a career in Engineering, or, if Biology is chosen, you must be made for the ‘noble profession’. Else, becoming an IAS was another option chosen for a large chunk. But today, it’s really nice to see that people have stated thinking beyond these options. I always believed society humse se he and the onus to change it obviously lie with us.

Today, I think, these so-called popular fields have stated facing saturation. Today masses have stated thinking beyond these options. Today many candidates are forced to choose professions due to factors such as parental wish or other society‘s so-called ‘being successful tag’. I believe students should be given freedom to choose the flights of their imagination. I also feel, clearing any entrance exams, is not big deal but becoming successful in the chosen field is a big thing. There are so many enrolled students and doctors in this field but only those achieve heights that chose their profession out of their free will and not those who chose this field due to parents’ wishes.

» What govt. should do to encourage professional education in India, say fashion education?

Today there are thousands of hidden talents in India. Today, every second boy is a next AR Rehman or Tarun Tehlani in the making, and hence there is a need to be proactive both at governmental and at grassroots level. For long, we believed that if some one becomes doctor or an engineer then only he she would be regarded successful in the society. It’s high time we get rid of such thinking. There is a need to revamp our educational system. 'Effectve' and 'students-centric' schooling is very important. Teacher should not instruct students that they should choose this profession or that. in this matter,I respect western system of education. Govt. should generate awareness about the meaning of fashion to the masses. It’s more than putting clothes on hangers. Govt. should also promote Indian arts and crafts like madhubani and other arts-forms which are being incorporated in fashion.

» What would you like to be remembered as?

I would like to be remembered as someone who leaves no stone unturned for popularizing Indian craft and fashion styling. For this, I would be making an NGO to promote women empowerment and to give them self-confidence that what they doing is right, if they have full faith in their capabilities. Many of our Crafts like chicken kaarii and madhubani painting are in danger of being lost with competition from MNCs. I would like to work towards it. The women of Madhubani, an interior region of Bihar have been portraying their beliefs, customs and creativity in the form of paintings on walls and floors of their homes. Usually, the central theme of these paintings is Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The theme then evolves into a story with the use of symbols. My recent range has inputs grom this craft. The garments which I got made from madhubai women, I gave 5% of revenue to them as a small token. Similarly I have incorporated chicken kaari to western styling. Chicken karri is done in saari or kurti, but these days few people wear it. So we need to modify it as per the new times.

» What do you feel about the kind of quality imparted in our fashion technology training institutes?

As far as fashion education is concerned, I feel that we have quality programmes in our schools. These programmes are totally at par with industry-requirements. Besides, Training and internship are really helpful and effective in giving students the right platform in the industry. Working on different projects, before venturing outside, really gives students an edge. I also feel that though quality education has turned out be costly now, but I think students should make use of tax-free educational loans to realize their ambitions. Even I took educational loan to study.
» Most important quality a candidate must possess for a successful career in fashion designing.

The profession of the fashion designers calls for a lot of creativity, innovation, technical knowledge-fabric knowledge,knowledge of color and its wide-ranging combinations, and forecasting knowledge with respect to the final shape, feel and flow of the fabric. Also important is the ability to think out- of-the box and a high sense of trims and cuts.

Along with a creative mind, your communication skills also have to be excellent. Your awareness regarding the current social scenario, political scenario, entertainment, technology and history have to be up to date as all this information would be vital for you to get your inspiration, to create your individual style-statement.

» Can you share the most memorable time of your life?

While in college, I participated in Femina designer contest, and as a result, got FTDC membership full form, subsequently I participated in Wills India fashion week. I regard it as the most memorable time of my life.

» What is your philosophy about the art of fashion?

I think of fashion as tareeka for the art of dressing. I think of clothes and garments as an expansion of one’s intellect.

I regard myself as a person who is deeply rooted in the beauty of Indian culture. Whatever garment I create, they are mostly inspired by the common man around. The society I am part of, has always influenced my work. I strongly feel for the disadvantaged section of our society and believe that whatever profession we choose should benefit them too. Many a times, my fashion range has been inspired by beggars and gypsies around. I do take inspiration from children and beggars standing at the red lights. Fashion is not only limited to page 3, I strongly believe in this. I feel that fashion industry should be such that it rewards its benefits to the poor too.

I make only what I see. I’m such that I don’t take any inspiration going from out of the blue. Most of my creation is such that it is affordable to the poor too.

.Also I think, global events such as the India Fashion Week and annual shows by fashion designers in all the major cities of India have given a new dimension in the popularity of fashion in India. The victories of a number of Indian beauty queens in International events have also boosted confidence by Indian fashion industry. Indian economy and the Indian fashion scenario is going through very exciting times these days, but one thing is clear for sure that only the worthy will survive. I feel, one of the biggest advantages we have as the Indian designers is that we realize the importance of Indian sensibilities in terms of our unique social conditioning, Indian sizing, skin tones and the specific needs that are only specific to an Indian consumer and client.

» If not fashion designing, what would shubhra would have been into?

If not into this field, I would have either become a classical dancer or a dietician.

» Any role model you have?

Professionally speaking, it can be none but ‘the black-film famed’ Sabyasachi Mukherjee for his creativity and innovative layering techniques. The way he combines multiple fabricss together is really awesome!
I also grew up admiring my dad for continuously pushing me towards realizing my ultimate goal. If he had not encouraged me, I would not been here. I believe upbringing by parent is very important.

» Any advice for the new entrants for the field?

Out of my journey so far, I can only say, getting admission to a good college does not guarantee students successful career, students should be clear about their ‘ultimate destination’. They should not let go societal concern and parent’s wishes influence their decision, So I believe that one should be patient enough to achieve success. It comes gradually but defiantly comes, if person has zeal and relentless drive to achieve it.