Student Spotlight- In conversation with Richa Shah

Richa Shah, scholarship winner of Whistling Woods InternationalNeeta Lulla School of Fashion, shares her story on how she became a part of our fashion academia and what made her opt for this career.

What aspect of Whistling Woods - Neeta Lulla School of Fashion appealed to you the most as an institute?

Richa: The combination of Whistling Woods International, Asia’s best media and entertainment institute, vigorously growing from the past decade and Neeta Lulla, the pioneer of fashion, appealed to me the most. It’s like everything under one umbrella. The whole idea and thought of educating students by the designer herself is very inspiring. She probably is the first of all the renowned designers, to establish a school of fashion, sharing her experiences and knowledge to aspiring designers. The exposure one will get here is like no other in the industry.

What made you opt for 'Fashion Design' studies?

Richa: Because it’s fun. This is the greatest platform for expressing your creative self. It’s all about self expression, like playing with fabrics, style, patterns, colors and so on. This is the best time for innovation, as people are readily accepting new and up-coming creations. It’s just not about the wearable garments, but taking ideas and innovations to their peak. Also, on a personal level, the Scholarship opportunity at Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion worked as a boost for me to opt for fashion studies.

How do you believe this Scholarship program will help you in your career?

Richa: Creativity alone is not enough to become an aspiring designer. To be able to successfully implement ideas and practice designing, lot of trials and errors and other resources are required, that can go beyond one’s means. A scholarship program as this will definitely enable me to explore all that is required for my education and pursue my dreams.

Which stream of fashion studies interests you the most?

Richa: Learning everything is vital to be a proficient designer. But my interest lies specifically in illustration. Visualizing an idea is more intriguing than actually making it. It’s the only form of art that brings your imagination to paper, actually developing things without any limitations, experimenting with colors and other props. With ace mentors at Whistling Woods Neeta Lulla School of Fashion, I believe I will excel in this field.

Does ‘Corporate Wear with Indian Influence’, in your opinion, match the standard of 'Global Formal Wear'? If so, how?

Richa: Yes, it surely does, if applied in the right manner. The concept of ‘corporate dressing’ for Indians is a very western and formal concept. So a touch of 'Indianness' such as embroidery, traditional art etc would add spice and variety to it, without disturbing the basic nature of the garment.

What color swatches have you used and why?

Richa: Swatches for my creation are mostly in earthy and pastel tones to keep the elegance of designs alive. I majorly used only three tints and shades of blue, black and white and few tones of brown to it. The materials used were linen, jute, khadi etc. to add to bring an Indian influence to the designs.