No Institute Can Teach You How To Be Creative - Sangita Manjhi

Sangita Manjhi


In fact, there are many great men in this industry who are highly talented. This mindset of stereotyping men in the field of fashion designing should be changed. I believe in the saying "Fashion is for all”. It depends on one's passion or interest in choosing a career. 



1. Tell us about your background and journey. Give a short biography of yourself.

Our native hometown is located in Jharkhand. But I grew up in Chhattisgarh and all of my education was done here. 

Since childhood, I had an interest in drawing, art and craft. I have spent my entire childhood surrounded by colours and ended up being scolded by my parents due to my bad results in studies.

I was a commerce student and frankly speaking I was an average student in school time. Whereas both of my sisters were from science stream and were very bright students. Even my father is an engineer. Therefore, being the eldest, my parents wanted me to choose the science stream. 

However, after a lot of convincing and also since my grades in maths were worse than anyone can imagine, I ended up in commerce stream and graduated in Bachelor in Commerce after a lot of struggles in academics.

It was my passion for art which lead me towards the field of fashion. Since childhood, I was into designing clothes. I used to make small outfits for dolls. There was also a show called ‘Project Runway ‘which I used to watch a lot and it made me crazy about designing. 

I had an interest in pattern making and stitching too. So I used to design as well as stitch my outfit all by myself.

After Graduation my father wanted me to do an MBA or M .com but till the end of my college, I was sure about one thing that I can’t do this anymore. I wanted to pursue my interest and passion. 

I told my father that I want to do fashion designing. My father opposed it because he didn’t see any future in this field. After a lot of conflicts, he finally agreed with a heavy heart.

I joined SIDI Raipur (C.G) into a course of ‘Advance diploma in fashion designing’. The real journey began after that.

I got opportunities to showcase my collection in Dehradun fashion show, Miss India Khadi in Raipur and Bhubaneshwar, Asian Designs week in Delhi and Face of Fashion International in 2019. I was awarded as ‘Best creative designer of the year’ in Delhi.

My journey till now is like an adventure for me. It has a lot of ups and downs because when you do something different from others you have to go through a lot of discouragements and have to prove yourself at every point of time. 

Along with the achievements, there were times of failure too. I had also made some bad decisions, was in a complete loss in the exhibition. There were moments of disappointment and insults too. 

There was a time when I was mentally exhausted and completely lost. I never shared my problems with anyone but the truth is that you will have to deal with difficulties and face problems to become strong. I never give up on my dreams.

There is still a long way to go. There will be so many ups and downs throughout the way but only after overcoming it one will reach the destination. That will be the most valuable moment one can achieve in life


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

No, I don’t think that the fashion industry is gender-biased. Just because it is said that women have an interest in fashion, it doesn’t mean men are less interested.

In fact, there are many great men in this industry who are highly talented. This mindset of stereotyping men in the field of fashion designing should be changed. I believe in the saying "Fashion is for all”. It depends on one's passion or interest in choosing a career. 

We should start accepting the choice and passion of an individual, be it any gender of any field.


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

Nobody becomes successful without hard work. To become a successful fashion designer you must be passionate towards it. This field requires patience, dedication and creative mind. 

You need to invest your time in activities such as networking and meeting like-minded people, knowledge of fabrics, trends, and embroideries. You will need to do marketing and research in each and every aspect of the fashion industry, their competition and learn to grow a business.

No Institute can teach you how to be creative, so you have to bring out your creativity through your passion. Be patient and never give up. It will take a lot of time and effort from you to gain success.

To become a successful fashion designer you apart from commitment and passion, you need hard work because hard work always pays off.


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

NIFT, NID and Pearl are some of the top colleges on a national level. Fashion Institute of Technology, New York and Art and Design School, New York, Philadelphia is some of the international fashion schools. 

It’s good if you have one, but it doesn’t really matter if you are passionate about it. If you are creative and smart, you can start and run a fashion line.


5. Who is your favourite fashion designer and why?

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is my favourite designer because of his ethnic style and elegance, which is so good no matter what, traditional or Western wear. He uses unusual fabrics, texturing, detailing, a fusion of styles, and patch-work with embellishments in vibrant colours. That is why I love his designs.


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

It's always hard work but don't forget to have fun. Create an impressive portfolio of some experience in sketching. The portfolio shows off your strength, your creativity, your best designs collection work, skills.

If you're in fashion then it doesn't really matter what you do. You're in it because you love change; you're curious and looking at things to be different. 


7. Which is your favourite book and why?   

Honestly speaking I don’t generally show much interest in reading books.


Sangita Manjhi (Fashion Designer)


Interviewed By Tuhina Rana