The fashion industry offers more than just glamour; it is also a space for creativity and innovation.
The fashion industry offers more than just glamour; it is also a space for creativity and innovation.
Nidhi Verma is a Fashion Designer and educator at NIFD, Jodhpur. She specialises in Illustration, Textile and Fabric Studies, and Draping.
Nidhi highlights the prestigious opportunities available to NIFD Jodhpur students, such as direct participation in renowned events like the Lakme Fashion Week, the New York Fashion Week, and the recently added Dubai Fashion Week—an impressive feat. Additionally, students benefit from hands-on experience in fashion shoots and shows, enhancing their practical skills. Notably, eligibility is open to students from any field who have completed their 12th grade, making NIFD Jodhpur an inclusive institution for aspiring fashion enthusiasts to pursue their dreams.
Talking about the foundational aspects of Fashion Design. Nidhi highlights the importance of basic drawing skills for representing designs effectively. Second, understanding the fundamental concepts, principles, and elements of design is crucial. Third, pattern-making is essential for translating designs onto paper. Subsequently, stitching skills are necessary for working with fabrics. Surface ornamentation, such as embroidery, adds detail to the designs. Textile design is another vital component, involving knowledge of various fabrics and their use in designs. Additionally, students are taught basic marketing strategies for presenting their brand effectively.
Recalling her early years, Nidhi shares that after completing her engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics, she started preparing for the IES exam. When she couldn’t perform in the exam as per her expectations, she decided to pivot her career towards Fashion Design, which she had always been interested in.
Pursuing her passion, she excelled in her fashion design studies, topping her college. Her talent was recognised on a global scale, as she participated in the Lakme Fashion Week and was selected to showcase her designs at the New York Fashion Week, representing her college. With the wealth of experience and knowledge gained from these opportunities, Nidhi is now dedicated to guiding and teaching students in the field of fashion design.
Born in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh, within the Bundelkhand region, Nidhi relocated to Jodhpur with her family, where her father was posted. She completed her schooling in Jodhpur and pursued a BTech degree at JIET College. Initially preparing for the IES exam at Made Easy, Delhi, she later transitioned to fashion designing, undertaking a three-year course at NIFD.
Alongside her studies, she gained valuable experience through internships in both menswear and womenswear. Her diverse background also includes technical training at IOCL during her BTech studies and work as a stylist on the reality show "Mika Di Vohti." Eventually, her expertise and experience led her to a teaching position at NIFD Jodhpur, where she shares her knowledge and passion for fashion with students.
Nidhi finds inspiration in her parents and grandmother, particularly admiring her grandmother's strong work ethics despite her lack of formal education. Her grandmother's example taught her the value of perseverance and diligence without fixating on immediate outcomes. Nidhi is also inspired by the quote, "Don’t run behind success, but make yourself capable, and success will come running behind you."
Nidhi reflects on the struggles she faced when transitioning from the technical field to a career in the fashion industry, describing it as a pivotal moment in her life. Convincing her parents of her decision was challenging, as she had to explain to them that the fashion industry offers more than just glamour—it is also a space for creativity and innovation.
Despite these hurdles, Nidhi has achieved remarkable success. She proudly shares her accomplishments, including presenting her design collection at the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week, followed by showcasing her designs at the New York Fashion Week. Additionally, she gained valuable experience working on a reality show. However, her most significant achievement lies in her current role as a teacher, where she finds fulfilment in the admiration and respect she receives from her students.
Nidhi advises students aspiring to be in the fashion industry that learning is not confined to the classroom only but also involves practical work. She encourages them to immerse themselves in industry practices and stay updated with the latest trends. For those who are proactive, adaptable, and have a passion for design, pursuing fashion design can be a fulfilling path, says Nidhi.
Addressing Indian citizens, Nidhi urges them to excel in their respective fields and contribute to the country's development.