Designer Deepika Khatri made headlines when actor Rebecca Kunikowski graced the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in one of her stunning creations.
The journey that brought Deepika to this pinnacle of the fashion world is as intricate and inspiring as the designs she crafts. “A designer always writes a story through their creations, drawing from a lifetime of experiences,” she says.
From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition
“It’s not a one-day dream but a lifelong journey. Each design reflects the life they’ve lived. Through my designs, I live my life.”
From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition
Deepika’s career began modestly but with great promise. She has designed for international brands like Matalan, Tally Weijl, UCB, and Dorothy Perkins. Selected for the Women Entrepreneurship Programme by Cornell University, her journey from dropping out of her BA program in Lucknow to enrolling in NIFT, Bengaluru, and eventually establishing a sustainable fashion label, has been unconventional and inspiring.
Supporting designers like Deepika, Madhav Fashion, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of embroidered fabrics, plays a crucial role. Madhav Fashion offers various initiative programs such as ‘make to order‘ with a minimum quantity of 25 meters, customization options, and expert consultations, making them a backbone for many designers. Their services include live video support, chat, email, dropshipping models, international supply, and affordable rates.
Igniting a Passion for Fashion -Humble Beginnings
Deepika’s passion for fashion was sparked in the 8th grade when her school introduced a fashion studies subject. “I realized this was my forte,” she recalls from Frankfurt, Germany, where she is currently based. Despite facing resistance from her family, a pivotal moment in her third year of college, when her brother pursued marine engineering with their family’s support, fueled her determination. She boldly applied for the NIFT entrance exam and cleared it, marking the beginning of her formal education in fashion design.
Transforming from Dreamer to Professional – Humble Beginnings
NIFT Bengaluru was transformative for Deepika, transitioning her from a dreamer in traditional salwar kameez to a professional admired for her creativity. Despite feeling out of place among her fashionable peers, her dedication to her craft earned her the Most Creative Knitwear Designer award. “I realized this is what I wanted to do,” she says.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Brand
Her first job was tough, dealing with a challenging senior designer. Her father’s advice to persevere proved invaluable, helping her earn respect and eventually become head designer. In 2019, after moving to Germany post-marriage and the birth of her child, Deepika worked at the Frankfurt Fashion Lounge. Winning a sustainable design competition with a project featuring Khadi fabric and traditional Lucknowi work provided the support she needed to launch her label, Deepika Khatri.
Deepika’s label focuses on eco-friendly fabrics and supporting artisans. “We use handmade fabrics and embroidery to create our garments,” she explains. Sourcing fabrics from Varanasi and involving artisans directly ensures her designs are both sustainable and authentic. “Every piece is done by hand and is unique.”
The Road to Cannes
Her designs gained international recognition, culminating in her Cannes Film Festival participation. Connections made during various fashion weeks, notably in Paris, facilitated her journey. “When you are in a good network, you connect with people,” she notes. The dress she designed for Rebecca Kunikowski featured detailed zardosi and kamdani work, captivating everyone with its intricate craftsmanship.
Representing her country at Cannes was surreal for Deepika. “I never imagined these things would happen,” she says. The opportunities in Germany, where celebrities and networks are supportive, contrasted with the challenges of gaining recognition in India. Despite her success abroad, Deepika remains deeply connected to her roots, drawing inspiration from traditional embroideries and artisans in Lucknow. “The love for chikankari, mukaish, and zardosi began for me from there,” she says.
Looking Ahead
Deepika is excited about opening a store in Germany and participating in Frankfurt Fashion Week. For aspiring fashion designers, her advice is clear: “Look into yourself and always feel free that if something is there in you, you can take it out and put it on paper.” She emphasizes perseverance, especially in the face of financial challenges. “Keep yourself motivated. People should keep seeing you every single year, and that is how you will reach someplace someday.”
Deepika Khatri’s journey from Lucknow to the red carpet at Cannes is a testament to her unwavering dedication, creativity, and the support of platforms like Madhav Fashion. Her story is an inspiring reminder that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, dreams can indeed become reality.
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FAQ on Deepika Khatri’s Journey to Cannes and Her Fashion Career
1. How did Deepika Khatri start her journey in fashion design?
Deepika Khatri’s journey in fashion design began in her 8th grade when her school introduced a fashion studies subject. This early exposure ignited her passion for fashion, but she faced resistance from her family who were skeptical about her career choice. The turning point came during her third year of college when she saw her brother pursuing marine engineering with full family support, prompting her to pursue her dreams seriously. Deepika applied for the entrance exam at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and was accepted, marking the beginning of her formal education in fashion design.
Transitioning from traditional salwar kameez to NIFT’s fashion-forward environment in Bengaluru, Deepika felt like an outsider but quickly gained admiration for her creativity and dedication. Her commitment to her craft earned her the Most Creative Knitwear Designer award, affirming her decision to pursue a career in fashion. This blend of early passion, family dynamics, and formal education laid the foundation for her successful journey in the fashion industry.
2. What role did NIFT Bengaluru play in Deepika Khatri’s career?
NIFT Bengaluru was instrumental in transforming Deepika Khatri from a passionate dreamer into a professional fashion designer. Moving from Lucknow to Bengaluru in 2011, she initially felt out of place among her fashionable peers due to her traditional attire. However, her unique perspective and dedication quickly garnered respect from her teachers and peers. The rigorous curriculum and exposure to diverse fashion trends and techniques helped Deepika hone her skills and creativity. Her hard work and talent earned her the Most Creative Knitwear Designer award, a significant milestone that boosted her confidence and validated her career choice.
NIFT’s environment pushed her to step out of her comfort zone and develop a bold design aesthetic inspired by her rich imagination. The institution provided her with the technical knowledge and industry insights necessary to navigate the competitive fashion world, setting the stage for her future successes, including her work with international brands and her eventual recognition on prestigious platforms like the Cannes Film Festival.
3. How did Deepika Khatri overcome the challenges she faced early in her career?
Deepika Khatri faced significant challenges early in her career, including working with a difficult senior designer in her first job. This experience, though challenging, was pivotal in shaping her professional resilience and perseverance. Her father’s advice to stick it out and persevere proved invaluable, as he told her, “If you can work with this person, you will be able to work with every single person in your life.”
Following this advice, Deepika endured the tough environment, gradually earning the respect of her senior and colleagues. This experience not only built her professional stamina but also taught her essential industry skills. Over time, her dedication and hard work paid off as she climbed the ranks to become the head designer. This period of overcoming adversity and proving her capabilities solidified her reputation in the industry, paving the way for her future successes, including her recognition at the Cannes Film Festival and the establishment of her own sustainable fashion label.
4. What is unique about Deepika Khatri’s fashion label?
Deepika Khatri’s fashion label stands out for its commitment to sustainability and support for traditional artisans. The label focuses on using eco-friendly, handmade fabrics and embroidery, ensuring that each garment is unique and ethically produced. Deepika sources fabrics from Varanasi and directly involves artisans in the creation process, incorporating traditional Lucknowi techniques such as chikankari and mukaish.
This approach not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also provides sustainable livelihoods for artisans. Her designs reflect a blend of contemporary fashion and traditional Indian embroidery, making them unique and culturally rich. Additionally, Deepika’s participation in sustainable design competitions and her success in the Frankfurt Fashion Lounge highlight her dedication to eco-friendly fashion. Her commitment to sustainability extends to the overall business practices of her label, emphasizing minimal environmental impact and ethical production methods. This unique blend of sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design has earned her international recognition and a loyal customer base.
5. How did Deepika Khatri gain international recognition?
Deepika Khatri gained international recognition through her persistent efforts and participation in various fashion events and competitions. Her breakthrough came when she participated in the Frankfurt Fashion Lounge and won a sustainable design competition with a project featuring Khadi fabric and traditional Lucknowi embroidery techniques like chikankari and mukaish. This victory provided her with the platform and support needed to launch her fashion label.
Deepika’s designs, which emphasize sustainability and traditional craftsmanship, resonated well with international audiences. Her participation in prestigious fashion weeks, particularly in Paris, helped her build a strong network in the fashion industry. This network played a crucial role in her journey to the Cannes Film Festival, where her designs were showcased on the red carpet. The intricate zardosi and kamdani work on the dress worn by actor Rebecca Kunikowski at Cannes garnered significant attention, further boosting Deepika’s international profile. Her ability to blend traditional Indian embroidery with modern design elements has made her a distinctive and celebrated designer on the global stage.
