Where are you from, and where did you grow up?
I am from India. I grew up in a city called Hyderabad, in the southern part of India. Hyderabad, popularly known as the City of Pearls and the City of Nizams, is a melting pot of north and south Indian cultures and has been the center of a vibrant historical legacy throughout history.
What languages do you speak?
I speak Telugu (mother tongue), English, and Hindi fluently. I am currently learning French and am at the beginner’s level.
How does Paris inspire you in your work?
The one word that comes to my mind when I try to describe Paris is “beautiful.” Every aspect of this mesmerizing city is pure beauty. You look around and find inspiration in every corner of the city. A simple stroll by yourself along the streets of Paris could result in a spectacle of the city’s bedazzling activities. It is indeed a surreal experience when you see everything that you’ve read in a book come to life in front of your eyes, be it the renowned works of art or those famous Parisian streets. Passionate and gorgeous to the beholder, Paris as a whole is nothing short of an inspiration!
What classes are you enjoying this semester?
Fashion Studies Key Concepts has been my favorite class so far! I am really enjoying getting to study about the various ideologies and perspectives that shape our day-to-day lives. It is exciting to study the concepts and realize that these are the very basic ideologies that shape your thought process, which often go unnoticed. Fashion Systems has been an interesting class, too, as I get to explore many topics that have always intrigued me. It brings me one step closer to learning about the workings of the fashion industry and the nature of its systems in the real world, outside our university workshops!
What made you decide to get involved in student government?
Master’s studies sure do take up a lot of your time, but this, according to me, should not stop you from experiencing other parts of university life. I felt that this was something I could take up because student government not only provides you with a unique opportunity to grow as a person but also gives you that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advocate and pursue causes you’re passionate about. This, for me, is another chance to learn from others.
What attracted you to the Fashion Studies program?
I chose this program because art and culture have always interested me, and the zeal to learn more about fashion as a cultural phenomenon has been a major driving force. As a Fashion Design graduate, I want to explore many other aspects in and around the fashion industry apart from design, and this program helps in bridging this gap that exists between theory and practice.
Do you have any hobbies?
Though it sounds clichéd, I have to go ahead and say that I like to travel and explore. I love exploring the culture and heritage of the places that I visit. Currently I am indulging in French culture, and I must admit that I am in love with its passion for less-commercialized pursuits. I am also one who has an eye for food anywhere I go and like to spend a lot of time trying out new cuisines. For me, travel and food go hand in hand!
What advice would you give incoming students?
Parsons can play an integral role in your career building and is the best setting for the study of art and design if only one remembers to utilize this opportunity to the fullest. But at the same time, do not let it overwhelm you. Always remember to take time off for yourself, to absorb the experience thoroughly, because, as we all know, there is no substitute for peace of mind.