“Designers always write stories through their creations, drawing from life experiences,” says Deepika Khatri, a freelance fashion designer whose designs were showcased on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. “This is not a dream of a day but a journey of a lifetime. Each design reflects the life I have lived. Through my designs, I live.”
Deepika has designed for international brands such as Matalan, Tally Weijl, UCB, and Dorothy Perkins and was also selected for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program by Cornell University. From dropping out of a BA program in Lucknow and enrolling in NIFT, Bengaluru, to starting a sustainable fashion label, his path was unconventional.
Passion for fashion
Deepika’s passion for fashion started in 8th grade when her school introduced the subject of fashion studies. “I realized this is my strength,” he said, via video call from Frankfurt in Germany, where he is based. However, her fashion dreams faced resistance from her family.
Deepika Khatri Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
The turning point was in his third year of college when he saw his younger brother pursuing marine engineering with the support of his family. “That scared me. How can he decide what he wants, when he tells me what I can’t do? She decided to take a bold step towards her dream by applying for the NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) entrance exam. Clearing, marked the beginning of formal education in fashion design.
An atypical student
NIFT Bengaluru played an important role in transforming Deepika from a dreamer to a professional. Transitioning from Lucknow to NIFT Bengaluru in 2011, he found himself surrounded by “fashionable” peers as he wore traditional attire. salwar kameez with her hair neatly tied.
Despite feeling like an outsider, Deepika’s talent won the admiration of her teachers. While her classmates enjoyed the city’s social scene, Deepika devoted herself to her craft, which earned her the Most Creative Knitwear Designer award. Though an introvert, Deepika’s designs exude a boldness inspired by her imagination. “I know this is what I want.”
Create a brand
Deepika’s first job was dealing with a challenging senior designer. Despite his initial struggles, his father’s advice to persevere proved invaluable. “If you can work with this person, you can work with everyone in your life,” she said. Over time, he not only won the designer award, but also rose to the rank of chief designer.
Deepika Khatri (centre) and a model wearing her creation | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
In 2019, Deepika got married and moved to Germany. After the birth of her child, Deepika returned to work at the Frankfurt Fashion Lounge. She participated in sustainable design competitions, submitting projects featuring Khadi fabric and traditional Lucknowi work such as chikankari and face. Winning the competition provided the support she needed to launch her fashion label, Deepika Khatri.
Deepika’s label focuses on eco-friendly fabrics and supporting artisans. “We use handmade fabrics and embroidery to make our outfits,” she explains. By sourcing fabric from Varanasi and involving artisans directly, they ensure that their designs remain sustainable and authentic. “Each piece is handmade and unique.”
Roll out the red carpet
Gradually, his designs gained international recognition, which eventually led to his participation in the Cannes Film Festival. Deepika’s journey to Cannes was facilitated by the connections she made during various fashion weeks, especially in Paris. “When you’re in a good network, you connect with people,” she notes, highlighting the collaborative nature of the fashion industry.
The dress designed for actress Rebecca Kunikowski for the Cannes red carpet, has been detailed zardosi and kamdani work “When you look at the design and the dress, your eye moves everywhere,” he says, describing the intricate work.
Actor Rebecca Kunikowski at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, wearing a Deepika Khatri creation | Photo credit: Getty Images
Representing her country at Cannes was a real experience for Deepika. “I never imagined this would happen,” he said. Being in Germany provided him with opportunities that might have been harder to find in India. “Here, the celebrities and the network you build, really want to support you,” he explains, comparing it to the challenge of gaining recognition in India.
Despite her success abroad, Deepika remains connected to her roots. Her inspiration came from her childhood in Lucknow where she was surrounded by traditional embroidery and artisans. “Love for chikankari, mukawis and zardosi started for me from there, “he said. This cultural heritage is the basis of his design, and he feels that the demand for the traditional craft will not disappear. traditionally alive and relevant.
The future is moving forward
Deepika is looking forward to opening a store in Germany and participating in Frankfurt Fashion Week.
For aspiring fashion designers, Deepika’s advice is clear: “Look at yourself and always feel that if there is something in you, you can take it and put it on paper.” He emphasized on perseverance, especially when faced with financial challenges. “Keep your motivation. People have to keep looking at you every year and that’s how you’ll get there one day.
(tagToTranslate)Designer Deepika Khatri
