“I’m Ayesha Sayyad from NIF Global, Pune (Kondhwa), and this is my journey to New York Fashion Week — where dreams met design on the world’s grandest runway.”
As a young fashion design student from Pune, the idea of seeing my creations on one of the biggest runways in the world felt like a distant dream — the kind you whisper to yourself late at night, but never say out loud. And yet, there I was, watching my collection Lemonade Luxe come to life under the dazzling lights of New York Fashion Week.
This journey was more than just fabric and stitches — it was a story of inspiration, struggle, identity, and the celebration of where I come from and where I hope to go.
Every collection begins with a muse, a moment, a mood. For me, it all began in Miami — not physically, but emotionally. The city’s Art Deco architecture, with its bold geometric patterns, sun-washed pastel hues, and nostalgic glamour, became the heartbeat of my vision.
I was captivated by how Miami effortlessly radiated vibrance and luxury — a perfect metaphor for what I wanted my collection to embody.
And so, Lemonade Luxe was born — a fusion of coastal Miami zest and the richness of Indian craftsmanship. A marriage of cultures, textures, and stories, stitched into every seam.
Designing this collection was nothing short of a rollercoaster. What started as pencil sketches and Pinterest boards transformed into long nights, experimental mockups, and countless coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions.
From the first drape to the final fitting, every moment demanded focus and heart.
One of the biggest challenges was sourcing the right materials — fabrics that reflected the cool tones and sharp lines of Art Deco, while still being suitable for detailed embroidery. There were times when deadlines loomed and it all felt overwhelming. But our passion carried us through.
A defining element of Lemonade Luxe was the incorporation of traditional Indian techniques, reimagined with a contemporary twist. Every garment featured exquisite handwork — pearls sewn with precision by skilled local artisans back home.
This was personal to me. Miami, with its ocean breeze and fluidity, reminded me of India’s own coastal spirit. I wanted the garments to exude that same serenity, but through the lens of Indian heritage.
The pearls symbolized not only the sea but also purity, patience, and precision. The Arri work, with its metallic threads and delicate loops, added a rhythmic elegance that reflected both Miami’s flamboyance and India’s finesse.
“The hands that stitch stories into fabric are often unseen, but they are the real heartbeat of fashion.”
Watching models walk the runway wearing garments that carried such deep cultural value was surreal. It wasn’t just about fashion — it was about identity, about giving Indian handcraft a voice on a global platform.
No journey worth telling is ever smooth. From delayed shipments and last-minute stitching issues to mismatched fabrics and sleepless nights — the behind-the-scenes was chaos.
The most difficult part was time management. Fashion Week waits for no one. There were moments of breakdown, self-doubt, and sheer exhaustion.
But those challenges taught me the most. I learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through — it’s about embracing the imperfections and still moving forward.
Our team — from peers to professors — stood united through every hurdle. There’s something truly powerful about shared dreams. We weren’t just making clothes; we were building a collective vision.
“Every needle prick, every undone seam, every tear at 3 AM — it all stitched together the story I was meant to tell.”
Nothing could have prepared me for the moment my garment hit the runway. The lights dimmed, the music swelled — and there it was. A model walked out, wearing months of effort, emotion, and story.
Time stood still. I no longer remembered the struggles — I saw only beauty. The way the garment flowed, how the pearls caught the light, how the Soft Net swayed like waves — it was poetry in motion.
I had tears in my eyes. This wasn’t just a fashion show. This was our story — walking into the world, one step at a time.
This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of so many people.
To the artisans who translated my ideas into hand-stitched masterpieces — thank you for your brilliance.
To my mentors and teachers — your guidance shaped my decisions. Your belief in me laid the foundation for my confidence.
“A mentor’s wisdom is like the thread in a needle — invisible in the final piece, but essential to every stitch.”
To my fellow students — the real MVPs — your encouragement and late-night pep talks made every challenge lighter.
And most of all, I extend my deepest gratitude to NIF Global — for the platform, the opportunity, and for believing that a student from Pune could dream big and shine in New York. Thank you to the headquarters, our faculty, and the entire institute for holding our hands every step of the way.
New York Fashion Week wasn’t the end of a journey — it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to storytelling through fashion.
I want to continue creating work that merges cultures, challenges norms, and celebrates the beautiful chaos of human creativity.
As I sit at home, reflecting, the dream burns brighter than ever — not just for me, but for every student, every artisan, every dreamer who dares to imagine their work on the world stage.
“Fashion is never just about fabric — it’s about soul, stitched one dream at a time.”
Here’s to Lemonade Luxe, and all the stories yet to be told.
