This Apeejay alumna is living her fashion dream

An alumna of the School of Design and Visual Arts, Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Khushboo’s journey as an entrepreneur started in 2021 soon after she completed her post-graduation in Fashion Design from the institute. Passionate about fashion and inventing new styles, the Apeejay alumna launched a fashion label named ‘Khwaab Design’, as soon as she completed her education from Apeejay. The brand specialises in wedding and party wear with a contemporary touch. Says the budding fashion designer, “Every fashion brand has their own unique style and flare for looks. What I ensure is comfort with style.” In an interview, she talks about her brand and more. Edited excerpts:

Please tell us about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Delhi. My education has been a roller coaster ride. Alongside pursuing my graduation in B Com, I was doing a one year Diploma course in Fashion Designing. Sadly, I couldn’t get an admission in any design institute at the undergraduate level.  I have also spent a couple of years preparing for Staff Selection Commission (SSC) exams. But I had no interest and so I did not continue. In fact,  when I was pursuing a regular B Com degree programme. But due to an unfortunate incident, I had to switch to open learning. Then in 2019 I joined Apeejay to pursue a Master’s degree in Fashion Design. I was so happy to join the institute as finally I could pursue my dream course.  

Any memories from Apeejay?

Though a part of my course was online due to Covid, the learning opportunities were immense. We used to work on a lot of new projects and that helped me understand interesting design concepts. During the two years course, the first year we spent with Apeejay Institute of Design and the second with ASU. The month I had joined the Masters’ programme, an Anchor Design Competition was held in which students from all design institutes across India had participated. Seven entries were from Apeejay. Then the organisers had shortlisted five entries and I was among the top five. The collection that I had designed was inspired by the peacock and I named my collection ‘Mayura’. It was one of the best campus experiences that I had. Apeejay provides students with great opportunities and with advanced concepts and skills needed to succeed in the job market. 

Did you always want to launch a brand in your name and work in the fashion industry?

I am a creative person. I love to imagine and create new concepts. I like to make new designs. I love dolls and when I was a kid I used to make dresses for my dolls. I think this was one of the inspirations for me to build my career in fashion design. Also after completing my 10th, there was a gap of almost three months. During that time, I used to spend all my time sketching, making different art and craft and designs. My friends and family who used to see my designs really motivated me to take up a career related to design. I had also cleared the NIFT Entrance Exam. But I did not get through the Delhi campus and so, I did not go ahead with it.  Launching my own label was of course my dream and this is why the name of my brand is ‘Khwaab Design’. My father, who is also a businessman, has been the biggest inspiration for me when I decided to start my entrepreneurial journey. He encourages me at every step. 

Any specific reason why you named the brand ‘Khwaab Design’? How big is your team?

Yes, there’s a reason (laughs). When I was preparing for SSC, I always used to dream about designing dresses. In fact, sometimes I used to wake up in the morning and spend some time sketching these designs and think that whenever I launch my own brand I will design these apparels. So my dream which in Urdu we call Khawaab inspired me to name it so. I am the head designer. I also have a person who is an expert in embroidery and a stitching master. We design wedding and party apparel that have a contemporary touch. 

Why did you choose to design apparel for wedding or party wear? 

Be it any season, there are a lot of parties and functions that take place in Delhi. And this gives me an opportunity to explore new designs every season. Honestly, wedding and party wear is a fashion that will never die. The trends may definitely change.  Like, the maxi dress is a summer staple. Maxi dresses when combined with different structured drapes become a very trendy outfit that one can wear on any wedding function. 

What kind of party wear attire is trending at the moment? 

These days coats are in fashion. Women can wear a long skirt with blouse and a shrug. They can wear shirts with long skirts. In terms of accessories, they can go for oxidised jewellery.  

What kind of material do you use for designing the  apparels? 

I personally like self colour fabric including chiffon and organza. I also include glass beads. In addition, a lot of my focus is on hand embroidery for which I make the designs. The ribbons that we use for embroidery are silk, cotton, or synthetic depending on the kind of apparel being designed. I also design cowl dresses. Each of my dresses has tassels.