By Nirma Punamchand Suthar, Interior Design Student at NIF Global Mumbai, Borivali
As an interior design student at NIF Global Mumbai Borivali, I never imagined that one of the biggest highlights of my design journey would come so early—and so unexpectedly. Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, a name every fashion enthusiast dreams of, became a turning point for me when I was selected to design a fashion show set inspired by Urban Nomadism. Looking back, the entire experience—from ideation to execution—was nothing short of magical.
It all began when our faculty informed us about the opportunity to participate in a set design competition for Lakmé Fashion Week, in collaboration with NIF Global. The brief was compelling: conceptualize a fashion show set that interprets Urban Nomadism through spatial design. Though I was initially nervous—after all, I was just a second-year student—I decided to give it my all.
The theme of Urban Nomadism instantly brought to mind the transient beauty of sand dunes. I imagined these shifting landscapes as metaphors for the ever-evolving nature of urban lives. My concept revolved around fluid forms, organic transitions, and a neutral earthy palette. I wanted the set to feel like a sanctuary within the chaos—reflecting both movement and stillness.
I dove deep into research, sketching ideas, building mood boards, and creating 3D models using SketchUp and AutoCAD. Every curve, every lighting decision, every texture was considered carefully. I spent hours refining my visuals and making sure my concept translated seamlessly into a set design.
The first stage was all about submitting our concepts with a detailed design brief and 3D visuals. I poured my heart into the presentation—ensuring every detail spoke of the story I wanted to tell. A few weeks later, I got the news: I was selected for Stage Two! It felt unreal.
For the second round, we had to build a physical scale model of our set and present it to a jury, much like our college juries but on a whole new level. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking. My friends and I spent days crafting the model, ensuring every element reflected the fluidity and movement I had envisioned.
When the results were announced, I was stunned. I had won. My set design was chosen to be executed at Lakmé Fashion Week.
Winning wasn’t the end of the journey—it was just the beginning. I was invited to shadow the set director at Lakmé Fashion Week, and that’s where the real learning began.
From load-ins to rehearsals, light testing to last-minute changes, I witnessed the incredible teamwork and precision that goes into putting a show together. I observed how every design decision affects choreography, lighting, camera angles, and even garment visibility. The set director and the entire production team were incredibly kind and open to sharing their insights. Though I wasn’t officially interning, I was constantly learning—soaking in every moment like a sponge.
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was understanding the relationship between spatial design and storytelling. A fashion set is not just a backdrop; it’s an emotional stage that enhances the designer’s vision. I learned about real-world challenges like time constraints, safety, budgeting, and how to find creative solutions under pressure.
The appreciation I received from the jury, the panel, and even some of the designers during Fashion Week was overwhelming. I remember Neeraj Gaba encouraging me, and that meant the world. His mentorship, along with the exposure this platform provided, gave me a new sense of direction and confidence in my career path.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, NIF Global, and Neeraj Gaba for believing in student talent and creating a space for learning and growth. This journey taught me far more than any classroom ever could, and I will carry these lessons with me throughout my design career.
For any design student reading this: never underestimate where your passion and a good idea can take you. Trust your process, be open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to dream big—even if you’re “just a student.”
About Nirma Punamchand Suthar
Nirma Punamchand Suthar is an interior design student at NIF Global Mumbai Borivali. She has a passion for innovative spatial design, with a special focus on conceptualizing environments that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Her recent work at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI marked a significant milestone in her career, setting the stage for future achievements in the world of interior and set design.
