‘The university offers interdisciplinary learning approach & practical exposure’

What if a photoshoot, an AI editing software, and a product advertisement could teach you more about visual storytelling than a semester of lectures? That’s exactly the kind of experience that has shaped Madhvi Katyal’s final year at Apeejay Stya University. 

A 21-year-old Bachelor of Design (Fashion) student, Madhvi sees fashion not just as fabric and silhouettes, but as a medium of self-expression powerful enough to influence people and cultures. From styling internships at a growing fashion label to hands-on workshops blending photography with AI, she’s spent her four years building both a creative voice and the practical instincts to back it up. 

Here, she talks about the projects that pushed her furthest, the research process behind every design, and what she wants her name to eventually stand for in the industry.

What made you choose ASU? 

I chose Apeejay Stya University because of its curriculum, interdisciplinary learning approach, and emphasis on practical exposure. The university provides a balance between creative exploration and professional development, which is essential for a design student.

The faculty members encourage us to think critically, experiment with new ideas, and develop our design identity. They help us improve our skills, abilities, confidence and understanding of the fashion industry.

Can you share a memorable classroom project or assignment that challenged your creativity or taught you something new?

One of the most memorable learning experiences at ASU was a workshop on Photography and AI-based Editing organised by SDVA. The workshop was spread over 3-4 days, with some days dedicated to photography and others focused on editing techniques using AI tools. 

It was an engaging and hands-on experience that allowed us to learn directly from experts in the field. We were divided into teams, and each team had to create an advertisement for a specific product—so we did the photoshoot of the product ourselves and then made the advertisement using AI editing tools. 

The workshop was both fun and highly informative, and it broadened my understanding of visual storytelling. The skills and knowledge I gained have been extremely valuable in my design journey.

How do you approach research when starting a new design project?

I begin by understanding the project’s objective and target audience. Then I gather inspiration from various sources such as fashion history, cultural references, market trends and more. I create mood boards, collect visual references, and analyse relevant materials and techniques. This research helps me build a strong conceptual foundation before moving into the designing stage.

What are your future aspirations?

My aspiration is to establish myself as a creative professional in the fashion industry, particularly in fashion styling, creative direction and brand development. I also aspire to own a label or a brand of my own where I can showcase my ideas into reality. I want to continue learning from industry experiences, contribute innovative ideas, and eventually work on projects that combine creativity, business strategy, and visual storytelling.

How is a typical day in your college?

A typical day at ASU is a blend of theoretical learning, practical studio work, discussions, and collaborative projects. We attend lectures, participate in workshops, work on assignments and interact with faculty members for feedback. The environment encourages and prepares us for professional expectations and deadlines.

What opportunities has the college given you to work on real-world projects?

Apeejay Stya University regularly provides opportunities through industry interactions, design projects, events, workshops and more. These experiences help students understand professional workflows, client expectations, and industry standards. Such exposure allows us to apply classroom learning to practical situations and gain valuable industry insights.

Have you completed any internships through ASU so far? 

Yes, I completed my summer internship at a fashion label called Kautuk, where I worked as a Fashion Styling and Operations Intern.

My responsibilities included assisting with fashion styling, coordinating product shoots, supporting day-to-day operations, organising inventory, helping with visual presentation, and assisting the team in various creative and operational tasks. The internship provided me with valuable exposure to how a fashion brand functions on a daily basis and helped me understand the relationship between customers and business.

To prepare for the internship, I strengthened my knowledge of fashion styling, trend research, communication skills and professional work ethics.

As a novice exploring the field of design, what would be your recommendations?

I would encourage them to stay curious, keep experimenting, and never be afraid of making mistakes. Design is a process of continuous learning and improvement. Observe the world around you, develop strong research habits, build a portfolio consistently, and seek feedback from mentors. Most importantly, focus on developing your creative voice.