Shabiha Nur Khatoon
Fashion runs in Debasmita Giri’s veins. The designer was the talent behind the core collections of leading stylists in the country that are subtle combos of tradition and modernity
Fashion designing has emerged as a preferred career option for many creative youngsters these days. Like many other enthusiasts, Debasmita Giri too chose an offbeat career. After Plus II, she enrolled in the National Institute of Fashion Designing in 2006, and after completing a course from there began working with renowned fashion designers in New Delhi.
“From childhood I was interested in painting. I wanted to be an artist. Like scores of other parents, mine too wanted to see me as an engineer. But I had no such aspiration. I was always inclined towards offbeat careers,” says Debasmita.
Born and brought up in Rourkela, Debasmita wanted to pursue a creative vocation, and fashion design attracted her early. “I decided to carve out a career in a creative domain. In 2006, I enrolled in the National Institute of Fashion Designing affiliated to the Utkal University of Culture,” she says.
During the period she was a design student, Debasmita anchored shows for OTV – mainly fashion and lifestyle shows meant to attract youngsters. Soon, she was offered a job by the channel, her responsibility being to groom aspiring fashion reporters. However, she declined the offer.
Subsequently, she moved towards graphic design and landed the job of a teacher which, incidentally, she quit after a year to move to Delhi. After a couple of unsuccessful stints, Debasmita bagged an opportunity to work under renowned fashion designer Rakesh Agarvwal. Rakesh launched his eponymous label in 2007. Tinseltown celebs who sported his creations were Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, Genalia D’Souza, Asin Thottumkal, Sonakshi Sinha and Jacqueline Fernandez.
Debasmita worked under Rakesh from February 2011 to March 2013. Under Rakesh’s guidance, she assisted the core design team and was responsible for creating the core collection. In general terms, she was responsible for:
• Planning, designing and executing the summer, winter and spring collections
• Playing the role of a member of ‘Band Baaja Bride’ in 2011
• Executing the design responsibilities of Femina Miss India 2013
• Designing the Wills India Fashion Week 2012 and 2013
• Designing the Blenders Pride Fashion show in 2012 and then in 2013.
• Playing the role of a core team member of the Pune Fashion Week 2013
• Designing and managing a fashion show held in Shillong
Describing her experience of working with Raakesh, Debasmita says: “Under Rakesh Agarvwal, I learned a wide range of Indian and international surface ornamentations like chikankari, zardozi, zariwork, patchwork, accessories for attires, laser cutwork, lacework, different trim material embroidery and machine embroideries. These apart, I gained lot of knowledge about fabric draping styles and silhouettes during the years I worked under him. I also mastered client handling skills.”
The fashion designer-cum-stylist tries to explore and learn each and every design and pattern. In 2013, she got the opportunity to work under Anuradha Ramam, a self-taught fashion designer, whose patterns are a combo of tradition and modernity and who is passionate about keeping the old crafts of India alive.
Debasmita, who has both headed and assisted core fashion design teams and can be credited with churning out several novel collections, has established her credentials in designing Indo-Western wear for numerous fashion shows.
At present, Debasmita is working under Sanchit Mehra, specialising in Indian ethnic wear and celebratory garments that draw inspiration from Indian and western designs. The collection presents a subtle fashion fusion for weddings and formal events. A true connoisseur, Mehra offers a new and refreshing take on festive wear.
Debasmita, who believes she is a multi-tasker, says no matter what profession one chooses, it is hard work that pays in the long run. The year 2016 proved to be a great one for Debasmita; apart from taking part in different fashion shows and events, she designed costumes for Pooja Mishra, the winner of ‘Rupashree Rajo’.
But it seems there are many more things coming her way in 2017 as she is about to launch her website/blog ‘Orangabati’ (Oh My Pretty Lady). It is a fashion/lifestyle blog which is expected to morph into an e-commerce platform later.
Debasmita is also a freelance designer associated with different organisations and individual clients.
