Alumni Speak
Top global fashion head reveals what brands look for in designers today
Apeejay School, Faridabad alumna, working at one of the world’s top fashion agencies, shares expert advice on innovation, AI, and research
Namita Mahajan, an Apeejay School, Faridabad alumna (Batch of 1999), leads the Design department at a global fashion agency that operates across 22 countries. Her team services over 200 international brands – including Ralph Lauren, Zara, Mango, and Ted Baker. In this candid conversation, she shares sharp industry insights on what it takes to thrive in fashion today: from research-backed creativity to AI-powered design and cross-cultural sensitivity.
Read edited excerpts
How is the role of research evolving in fashion design today?
Research is everything – it’s 70% of the design process. The rest – sketching, sourcing, execution – only follows if your research is rock solid. Designers today must understand consumer behaviour, regional preferences, cultural symbols, and seasonality. I’ve seen beautiful prints get rejected because they carried symbols inappropriate for certain markets. For instance, a simple plus sign in a Dubai-based collection had to be removed due to cultural concerns. That’s how nuanced research must be.
What do global fashion agencies look for when hiring or collaborating with designers?
Apart from strong portfolios and CAD skills, we value process-oriented designers. The ability to conceptualise a collection that’s both creative and production-friendly is key. Can a pocket placement be functional? Will a fabric fall as intended? We also look for people who are upbeat, open to feedback, and most importantly – strong at research. A great moodboard isn’t just aesthetic, it’s intelligent.
How is AI and data analytics reshaping design and sourcing?
Drastically. Earlier, trend forecasting involved travel and manual observation. Now, AI platforms like WGSN help us map buying patterns across geographies – whether it’s puff sleeves trending in Europe or neutral tones in the US. AI helps streamline sourcing, spot emerging styles, and make faster, data-backed decisions.
What should young Indian designers unlearn or relearn for a global fashion career?
Unlearn the idea that one aesthetic fits all. Relearn adaptability. A successful designer today must understand regional sensibilities, customer demographics, and market positioning. Know what works for whom – and why. Whether you’re designing for Christmas in Europe or Eid in the Middle East, cultural alignment matters as much as the cut of the garment.
