My Journey to London Fashion Week
By Sahista S. Mansuri,
Fashion Design – First Year Student,
NIF Global Vadodara
As a first-semester student at NIF Global Vadodara, I recently had the life-changing opportunity to contribute to the upcoming London Fashion Week. When I first heard about the event, I realized this wasn’t just any show—it was an International platform where Indian talent could truly shine. I instantly knew this was a golden opportunity to challenge myself and grow as a designer.
Our mentors at NIF Global briefed us in detail about the themes, colour palettes, silhouettes, and techniques we would be working with. I was asked to begin with a few design illustrations. While my first attempts were creatively strong, my mentor helped me understand the practical challenges—some designs looked great on paper but were not wearable or stitch-friendly. This feedback helped me focus on functionality and comfort, in addition to aesthetics.
We were split into two teams to create a two-piece garment, and I was entrusted with the upper garment, which was both beautiful and complex. Known for my stitching skills, I received encouraging support from my mentor, which gave me a lot of confidence.
My first task was drafting the design on brown paper. This wasn’t easy—I encountered several problems and had to make multiple adjustments. Once the draft was approved, I began working with muslin to create the toile. Measuring the required fabric, sourcing materials, and cutting muslin on the bias (which often distorts the fabric) proved to be quite a task. I was also incorporating horsehair braid to add bounce, a technique I learned under the guidance of my mentor.
After five intense days of cutting, stitching, re-stitching, and refining, the back tail of the upper garment finally had the shape and bounce I was aiming for. The feeling of seeing it come together after such hard work was incredibly fulfilling.
Simultaneously, the inner garment, a bodycon dress, was being prepared. The focus here was on surface ornamentation, specifically appliqué work. I explored multiple motifs—ethnic, geometric, floral, stylized, and abstract. I finalized an abstract design, prepared a motif, and worked tirelessly for 7 hours to complete it to my mentor’s satisfaction.
Once the toile was approved on the model, it was time to start the final garment. We worked with Gajji silk fabric, and I remember carefully cutting it on the bias with pearl pins on a table, ensuring precision. After three days of dedicated effort, the upper garment was ready. The bodycon dress was also completed, and the last stage—applying the technique—was underway.
The technique placement was reviewed by our senior mentor, who suggested adding an element of drama. We decided to incorporate golden leaf embellishments to enhance the garment’s storytelling alongside the existing cherry red and tan orange colours. Selecting the perfect shade of gold took time, but once we found it, the placement began—and it brought the entire design to life.
Once the garment was fitted on the model and approved, our final challenge was ensuring safe transportation. We protected the garment and its bounce structure using air bubble wraps to maintain its form during shipping.
This journey would not have been possible without the incredible guidance and support of my mentors. I learned more than just design—I learned dedication, teamwork, and the importance of fine craftsmanship.
Thank you, NIF Global and all my mentors, for believing in me.
