Describing a journey full of victory which all started from Pearl Academy, Jaipur.
During the last jury of my graduation collection, I felt delighted reminiscing the entire journey at Pearl Academy. I realised the importance of making a good portfolio, something that my faculty had consistently focused on, during the mentoring sessions throughout the semester.
Post my graduation, I spent three months creating my portfolio. I was in touch with my mentors from Pearl Academy on a regular basis. On my one last meet with Professor Kunal Dutta, a person no less than a perfectionist when it comes to detailing, I happened to discuss my dream to work/intern abroad. That’s when he mentioned Anna Sui, a New York-based fashion designer.
I made up my mind and applied for an internship at Anna Sui. To my delight, I was offered to work with Anna for a couple of months, to assist her with her New York Fashion Week collection.
I started my internship in November in the production department and took up the following responsibilities –
• Maintaining the cost and specification sheets that come from the pattern making department and preparing line charts of the garments
• Identifying various fabrics and its alternatives for each style of garment, preparing cutting tickets, meeting contractors on a daily basis and dealing with clients
• Understanding the making of garments and analyzing their cost
Above all, it was a very inspiring work environment. Everything in the office – from a small mouse pad to the tapestries and the interiors – was a reflection of Anna’s style.
The fall collection ‘Beloved,’ was inspired by her obsession with ‘Seventeen’ and ‘Mademoiselle’ magazines that date back to the 80s. From the ramp set up in the middle of New York City with the view of an incredible skyline to the ramp walk of supermodels like Gigi and Bella Hadid who walked to the soundtrack by Burt Bacharach, everything about this collection was loved by the audience.
The prints that the design team develop every season speak of Anna’s passion and show her originality and love for fashion, design and illustration. Anna loves to play with vibrant colours ranging from deep red, hot pink, royal blue, wild purple clubbed by black and white paisley, and metallic shades that add a spark to her designs.
‘Beloved’ witnessed a wide variety of self-developed fabrics in suede, jacquard, luxurious fur, corduroy and chiffons that make one wear Anna Sui all day, from brunch to dinner, with a wide range of playful silhouettes.
When you say Fashion, it’s not just clothes, and who would describe this better than Anna Sui. An American style of pairing bright colors remains constant in her collection. Also, the eye-popping makeup, evergreen fishnet stockings that complement the color of her garments, oxford platforms by Bed Stu (a collaboration with Anna) and the vegetable tanned handbags, together made an incredibly wearable ensemble, giving New Yorkers a refined and a polished look.
Her love for New York makes her develop every piece within the five streets of the Fashion Avenue and showcase her passion for what she does.
I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to learn, observe and implement the mantras of fashion and would like to convey a special thanks to:
Gauri Kathju, Kunal Dutta, Harangad Singh, Anna Sui.
Hear Shimona talk about her internship experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBPQXIDZV-c&feature=youtu.be
-Shimona Mehta
Alumna, PGFD Jaipur Campus
