By Dhanishta
Hey there! I’m Dhanishta, and I’m so excited to take you on a whirlwind ride through my journey of showcasing my collection at Lakmé Fashion Week—a dream that once lived only on paper, but now, has come alive in the most magical way.
It wasn’t an easy ride. It was a path filled with sweat, tears, doubts, and relentless hard work. But every step was worth it. So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in—this is a story I can’t wait to share.
It all began in December, when my college announced an incredible opportunity—to participate in the Lakmé Fashion Week design selection process. For me, this wasn’t just another competition. Lakmé Fashion Week had always been the dream, and I knew I had to give it everything I had.
The theme? Urban Nomadism.
At first, I wasn’t sure which direction to take. But soon enough, inspiration struck. I envisioned a collection that blended the free-spirited vibe of a hippie with the cool, effortless style of an urban hipster. Think cozy flannel, vibrant floral prints, and versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night—just like the lives of modern-day nomads.
And just like that, I was hooked.
Having an idea is one thing—bringing it to life is another.
My collection combined flannel and floral prints, but I wanted to push it further. I made the garments reversible and detachable so they could adapt to different moods and occasions. Designing that concept on paper was exciting. Executing it? Much harder than I imagined.
One of the biggest challenges? Finding the perfect suede fabric.
For five days straight, I searched high and low across the city. I even found myself praying, “Please help me find it.” Just when I was ready to give up, I walked into a Raymond showroom—on a whim—and though they don’t even sell fabrics, they pointed me to the exact store I needed. And there it was: the perfect suede, in the perfect color. It felt like destiny.
That wasn’t the only challenge. One of my silhouettes just wasn’t working. Frustrated, I turned to my mentor. With her guidance and a few intense late-night work sessions, we reworked the design until it finally came together.
Designing is one thing. Presenting to a jury? That was terrifying.
Public speaking has never been my strength. But I knew I had to face it head-on if I wanted to move forward. So, I started waking up at 4 AM every morning to practice my pitch—over and over—until the words felt like second nature.
The support from my college during this time was incredible. My Director Sir personally coached me on how to handle questions with patience and confidence. He said, “The college trusts you. You already have all the answers.” Those words stuck with me.
They even organized a photo shoot just a day before the jury round. That experience helped me polish my presentation—and my confidence.
On the day of the jury, I was nervous but proud. And when I heard I’d scored **37 out of 40—the highest score of the five-day selection process—**I was speechless. I had made it to the next round!
As the Lakmé Fashion Week showcase in Mumbai approached, things started to get real.
Packing up my collection, I felt nervous and excited. I owe a lot to my family during this phase. My mom helped with all the final touches—snipping loose threads and making sure every detail was perfect. My dad carefully packed each garment with love and precision.
It was no longer just my journey—it was ours.
Arriving in Mumbai was surreal. The city, the energy, the buzz—it was all happening.
During fittings, the Lakmé mentors loved my collection. Watching the models walk in my garments was a proud moment. The mentors even praised the commitment and training my college provides. Representing the Jaipur center made me feel incredibly proud.
And then came show day. The backstage buzz, last-minute adjustments, the nervous excitement—it was overwhelming and beautiful all at once.
As my designs walked down the runway, lit by dazzling lights and cameras flashing, I was flooded with emotion. I had dreamed of this moment—and now, I was living it.
Before my turn to take the stage, my model looked at me and said, “Just walk hard, Dhanishta. This is your moment.” And it was. I stepped out with confidence, heart full, and a smile that came from knowing I’d made it.
This journey taught me that design isn’t just about sketching pretty outfits—it’s about patience, perseverance, and believing in yourself even when things get tough.
I learned to trust my instincts, embrace feedback, and grow through challenges. I learned that support—from mentors, family, and my college—is everything.
Lakmé Fashion Week wasn’t just a showcase. It was a transformation.
A stepping stone.
And the beginning of so much more.
So stay tuned. Because this is just the beginning.
With love,
Dhanishta
