"If you have that spark, you will outshine" - Pawan Lata Josshi

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1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I come from a middle-class Kumaoni family, born and raised in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh Later moved to a small-town Haldwani. My father Ramesh Chandra Joshi is an ex-serviceman in the army and my mother Mrs. Lata Joshi is a homemaker. Like most of the parents, they always wanted me to pick a stable career. Since childhood, I had an interest in acting & singing but my father opposed as he did not find any of the professions with a reliable future, so I chose fashion designing after a long discussion and convincing. Both of my parents agreed and I enrolled myself into IIFT (International Institute of Fashion Technology), New Delhi. 

After successfully finishing my degree, I got my first job with an export house based in Noida where they had a policy of not hiring fresher but considered me as an exception. My first salary was Rs 8000/- four months later, promoted as an Assistant Merchandiser. I received an invitation from the "G.B. Pant University Of Agriculture And Technology" for appearing as the fashion fest jury also a guest lecturer for 2 years in a row. Honored as the chief guest at the khadi exhibition held in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand. 

After being invited from multiple reputed institutions like the National Institutes of Technology, JD Institute Of Fashion Technology, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women. Appeared and managed the first-ever "Haldwani Fashion Week" in 2017. Judged 2018 "Mr & Miss North India Glam Hunt" alongside Mr. India Rubaru 2015 Akash Chaudhary and Television actor Ayyaz Ahmed. Invited as a special jury with Bollywood personality Ranvijay Singh to judge the cultural reality TV show "Indian Icon 2k18" telecasted on E24 and returned for the second season alongside famous actor and choreographer Priyank Sharma. Recently made an appearance for a show "India's Talent Fight" with popular choreographer Paul Marshal and the winner of Dance Deewane Dinanath Chauhan which was telecasted on Zee Etc Bollywood.

2. Fashion industry is often considered women centric and stereotypes men? What's your opinion?

For eons when the term "Fashion" comes into somebody's mind, the first thought they get is a woman wearing high heels wrapping herself in bold and beautiful dresses with some glamourous makeup on, Always a question why it can't be a man? For instance, even if they are considered surely people will associate them with the LGBT community. So it's the mindset which we need to change and start accepting. It will be wrong to put the whole industry in a box and blame it for stereotyping men's entering into the fashion world, especially becoming fashion designers. But for over the years, we had some brilliant male designers taking over the industry and presenting some great work like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Gaurav Gupta to name a few.

So,  I don't think any industry centralizes on any class or gender. If you have that spark, you will outshine no matter of what class and gender you are of.

3. How can one become a successful fashion designer according to you?

Fashion design is a profession that tends to attract people at an early age. However, there are many factors of the profession and many knowledge to know about what it will take to forge a successful career in this field. While a Bachelor’s in Fashion Design or a related discipline will help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge, it doesn’t guarantee that you will make it into the competitive fashion industry. 

You need to invest your time in other activities, such as Networking and meeting like-minded people, Learning what’s it like to own and grow a business and Finding your niche. “No institute cannot teach you how to be creative, so you have to bring your creativity and passion to the institute and let Institute lead you on your way". Be patient and do not give up, it will take a lot of time and effort from you to gain success. Remember, becoming a famous fashion designer requires commitment and passion, but hard work always pays off.

4. What are some of the top colleges for studying fashion in India and the world?

Becoming a fashion designer does not necessitate a good diploma; however, it is a quick way for every fashion designer to reach their success fast and firmly. There are many prestigious institutions globally to attain fashion-related education. To name a few, Istituto Marangoni, London College of Fashion, etc. We have some of the best Colleges in India as well namely the National Institute of Fashion Technology the pioneering institute of fashion education in the country. Some of the most famed designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Ritu Beri, Prabal Gurung to name a few have graduated from NIFT.

5. Who is your favourite fashion designer and why?

At the initial stage of my career, I was thoroughly inspired by some well-known designers like Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Beri. 

If I talk about particularly my favorite then without a doubt it would be Sabyasachi Mukherjee who is the only Indian designer to be a part of all three leading fashion weeks: New York, Milan, and London. I loved how he describes his own collections as "an International styling with an Indian soul" and his creations evoke images of ancient and medieval ages.

6. Do you have any tips for people who want to join this field?

No matter what field you want to enter, Education is the basic key to success. In a word, yes. No matter how talented you are, the world of fashion is so competitive; thus, your education will make you more outstanding than equally qualified designers. As a result, the role of a degree is very important for the success of a fashion designer. Create an impressive portfolio for which you should have some experience in sketching. The portfolio shows off your strength and the sense of the aesthetic, the sense of proportion and balance, and the appreciation for the beauty. Strong presentation skills and sales skills are extremely necessary so that you can persuade your clients to purchase your designs. Decide Whether You Want to Work Solely or Take a Company Job. If you work for a fashion design house, your deadlines are inevitable you should prepare yourself to cope with pressure in order to achieve your purpose. 

If you are your own boss, then you will have more creative control and be more flexible in working. Creative ability is not enough. Because the fashion trend gets more and more corporate-driven, so, it is critical to beware of the business climate as well as the mechanic behind it and the basics of economics. Last but not less important, growing your own fashion design career is not possible overnight, It is a competitive world; nevertheless, with dedication and commitment, success will surely arrive at your doorstep.

7. Which is your favourite book and why.

Ramayana is my favorite book. It is an epic in Sanskrit written by Balmiki. The book is a literary gem. Its style is easy and forceful. The book gives me immense pleasure in reading. It has influenced my life greatly. I feel greatly uplifted. It has influenced my thought and character greatly. I think life is not worth living unless it conforms to the standards set by the characters in this great book.

- Pawan Lata Josshi

Interview By - Haseeb Haroon