The final semester of the NIFT, Fashion Design programme is dedicated to making one's own design collection which consists of 5-7 ensembles. The collection has to be conceptualized and constructed by the student. My graduation collection which was called 'The Curious Case Of the Mc Aloo Tikki Burger' explored the visual explosion of colours, textures and contradictions that is present in big Indian cities. As 21st century individuals we are constantly having to choose between modernity and our traditions. However, our true Indianness lies in embracing both- the malls, the multinationals, the places of worship and the historical monuments that exist in our skyline with equal abandon. Indian surfacing techniques like Kutch embroidery have been updated in this 7 ensemble collection. A large part of the collection is up cycled using 'kattran' or cloth scraps from different tailors around the city. The silhouettes were kept clean to focus on the surfacing details which were all hand made.
​
"It is impossible not to be astonished by India. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Enriched by successive waves of migration and marauders from distant lands, every one of them left an indelible imprint which was absorbed into the Indian way of life. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it. It is this variety which provides a breathtaking ensemble for experiences that is uniquely Indian. Perhaps the only thing more difficult than to be indifferent to India would be to describe or understand India completely. There are perhaps very few nations in the world with the enormous variety that India has to offer. Modern day India represents the largest democracy in the world with a seamless picture of unity in diversity unparalleled anywhere else."
