Fashion designer Yashita Dewan is excited about the kind of responses she’s been receiving after models Paramita Rana, Alka Rai, Ritesh Gurung and Bhaskar Baniya, who were chosen to represent Nepal at the Asia Model Festival 2016 held in Suwon Hwaseong.
Fortress, South Korea, showcased her ethnic designs there. “I’ve been receiving calls and offers from many international designers, especially Koreans, after they saw and liked my designs,” she shares.
A graduate of Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing from India International Trade Center (IITC) in Mumbai, India, Yashita’s designed, produced under the label ‘CEYAKA,’ have already been showcased in over half a dozen national and international fashion events, and have earned her over 119,000 followers on Instagram.
In a chit-chat with Republica, Yashita says she will continue to pursue designing no matter what.
Jenna Dewan, Steve Kazee engaged
Excerpts
Did you always want to be a fashion designer? When did you discover your love for fashion and being creative?
I decided to pursue fashion designing as a career during my high school days. I had always been good at drawing and sketching, and when I got enrolled at a fashion designing institute after completing high school, I discovered that I indeed have talent and passion for designing.
My family have always been supportive of my decisions and had faith in me that I had what it takes to follow my dreams. So it didn’t take me very long to decide to pursue fashion designing professionally.
What do you think is your strength as a fashion designer?
I feel my biggest strengths are my creativity and innovation. Plus, I am not afraid to experiment.
What inspires you when it comes to your work?
My family is my biggest source of strength and inspiration. In fact, my label name CEYAKA represents my family. “CE” is the first two letters of my dad’s name, “YA” represents my own name and “KA” is from my mom’s name. As they are the ones who have stood by me, motivated me and inspired me to realize my dreams, I have dedicated my label to them.
What do you think of the fashion scene in Nepal? In what ways can the industry grow?
The fashion scene here is definitely changing and improving for the better, especially as many promising new designers are coming up. The industry should not only focus on quantity but also on quality. Individuals who want to pursue fashion as a career path should receive proper training or education so it is at par with the international fashion scene. If we want to improve the industry, we need to aim for perfection and not mediocrity.
Is there any particular kind of fashion or style that you follow while creating designs?
My designs depend upon my current state of mind. I like to experiment with fabrics and colors fearlessly so I just let my creative juices flow freely.
Who is your role model, and why?
My role model is Victoria Beckham for her innate sense of style. She always looks perfect.
What are the top three fashion faux pas you’ve seen people make in Nepal?
Firstly, people showing too much skin to be “sexy.” Secondly, people following trends blindly. And lastly, people not following dress codes: For instance wearing casual summer dresses to formal wedding parties or wearing too flashy clothes (with too many accessories) even for business meetings, etc.
What is next for you?
I will go wherever life takes me, but no matter what I will be working passionately as a fashion designer, bringing new ideas and concepts to life through my creations.
