‘Apeejay Stya University gave freedom to be creative & explore interest’

Not every fashion student who learns to design ends up staying behind the sketchbook and Aarushi Dawar is proof of that. A 2020 graduate from Apeejay Stya University’s (ASU) B. Design programme, Aarushi discovered her real passion at a college event called the Styling Fest.

Today, nearly eight years into the fashion industry, she works as a freelance fashion stylist across editorial shoots, brand campaigns and TVCs, with names like Lalit Dalmia, Frontier Raas, Patanjali and Kajaria on her portfolio. She’s now building a personal styling and wardrobe consultancy practice. In this conversation, she looks back at the campus moments, mentors and quiet realisations that shaped her path.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time at ASU?

Some of my fondest memories are the everyday moments with my batch mates — working together on projects, late discussions, college events and spending time together on campus. Being a Fashion Design student, I also really enjoyed the practical work, presentations and the creative environment that allowed us to constantly experiment and learn from each other.

What did you enjoy most about being a student here?

What I enjoyed most was the freedom to be creative and explore our interests on an individual level. Design is a very hands-on field, so being able to work on different projects, experiment with ideas and learn through practical experiences made my time at ASU really enjoyable.

How would you describe the teachers who taught you, and how has their contribution played out in your professional journey?

I would describe them as very supportive, approachable and encouraging. They gave us the freedom to work on our own creative ideas while also guiding us whenever we needed direction. A lot of what I learnt about fashion, this industry, the attention to detail it needs, and working professionally has come from my teachers. It’s been more than six years since I graduated, but I’m lucky enough that I’m still connected to a few of my faculty members, who I reach out to whenever I need industry insight or otherwise.

Apart from academics, what important lessons did Apeejay Stya University teach you?

ASU taught me that learning doesn’t always happen inside a classroom. It taught me to be independent, responsible for my work, open to feedback and comfortable with trying new things. It also helped me understand the importance of working with different kinds of people, with different mindsets, which has been extremely useful professionally.

How did ASU encourage you to explore your interests and talents?

Apeejay Stya University gave me the opportunity to explore fashion beyond just designing. During my time there, we had events like the Styling Fest, which introduced me to the world of styling and helped me realise that I genuinely enjoyed that side of the fashion industry as well. It encouraged me to look at fashion as an art form and a means of creative expression, rather than limiting myself to one particular aspect of it. That experience played an important role in helping me explore styling after college, which eventually became a major part of my professional journey and is what I continue to do today.

In what ways do you think Apeejay Stya University shaped the person you are today?

ASU played an important role in giving me the foundation to pursue a creative career. It helped me become more independent in my thinking and more confident in bringing my ideas to life. More importantly, it taught me to look at fashion not just as a subject, but also as a form of communication and storytelling — as a form of visual art.

Looking back, what is one quality you developed during your Apeejay Stya University years that you are especially grateful for?

I think the quality I am most grateful for is adaptability. The fashion industry is constantly changing. Every project brings something new, so being able to adapt, learn quickly and find solutions has been very important throughout my career.

Where are you working currently, and what is your job role?

I am currently working as a Freelance Fashion Stylist, across fashion and e-commerce shoots, brand campaigns, and commercial and TVC projects. I’ve had the opportunity to work with brands such as Lalit Dalmia, Frontier Raas, Patanjali and Kajaria, to name a few.

Including my internships and professional experience, I’ve spent around 7-8 years in the fashion industry. During which I’ve explored different aspects of the field and worked across various kinds of projects. This journey has helped me understand what I enjoy most and where I see myself growing further.

Alongside my styling work, I am now also building my own practice in Personal Styling and Wardrobe Consultancy. Here I work more closely with individuals and help them develop a personal style that is authentic to their personality, lifestyle and goals.