I graduated in 1998 as a Fashion Designer from National Institute of Fashion Technology – Hyderabad.
Graduation
During my graduation I
a. Studied in-detail the art of Carpet Weaving in Elluru, Andhra Pradesh. This made me appreciate the finer points in weaving, which I incorporated in my designs.
b. Industry training with Walter Johnson, Delhi - A high fashion garments exporter who exports to USA & Europe under his own label. Here I learnt the importance of Proportions & How to balance creativity and wear-ability
Professional Experience
After my graduation, Wendell Roderick’s took me under his wings, as an Assistant Designer at Goa. With him I learnt the significance of Natural fibers, Cutting on bias, & Importance of Finishing. I learned to design under limited resources which has helped in making my designs more cut and texture oriented rather then embroideries
Awards won
a. Shoppers Stop Designer of the Year – 1998 contest
· THE DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Award - 1998 (1st runners up)
· MOST COMMERCIALLY VIABLE RANGE OF GRAMENTS Award
· BEST CREATIVE USE OF TENCEL Award
b. ‘Fabric to Fame Designer Contest’ by EERSHA – 1996
· THE DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Award
· Appointed as in house designer.
c. Secunderabad Junior Chambers Scholastic Award - 1998
· Meritorious Student of the Year Award
In September 2000 I came to Delhi and launched my own Designer collection with the Label ‘Sandeep Mahajan’ and ‘Cigar’
My Designs involve Unconventional cuts, Seam detailing, Summer quilting, Drawn thread detailing etc.
The product
I do menswear. I use a lot of natural fabrics such as textured cottons, linens and silks. My menswear is more of attitude then the basic styling. Use a lot of textured detailing as design element.i like my menswear to have a nice fall an slither on the body for which i do a lots of washes with my fabrics.
Design philosophy
A perfect design for me is something that encompasses all the elements desired such as creative idea, good execution, a thought foretold and wearability for the racks. Though change however being one ingredient in all designs. I love to design for a mind frame rather then any individual client. I do unconventional menswear with context to sensuality.
My aim would be to someday to have a huge prêt store for men. I believe in not only designing for the classes but also the masses
The collection is been sold at leading designer stores
· SOSAS- Goa
· PANTALOON- Mumbai.
· EBONY- Delhi, Chandigarh, Ludhiana.
· AMETHYST-Chennai
· TATVA-Delhi
· APPEAL- Delhi
· WESTSIDE-(14 stores across India)