Today we’d like to introduce you to Shrutee Tokekar.
Hi Shrutee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I completed my under-graduation with a Bachelor of Design degree with a specialization in fashion design in 2019 from a reputed fashion college in India. I graduated as a university topper and received an award for academic excellence. Shortly after graduating, I got my first job with Firstcry.com, India’s biggest e-commerce platform for kids and maternity wear as a fashion stylist. I was promoted to the position of senior fashion stylist in a year. As a major part of my job profile included product styling, I started my own Instagram page called ‘The Love of Flatlays’ through which I would style flat-lays, aesthetic imagery, and curated content for brands as a freelancer alongside working with Firtscry.com. I always wanted to gain some industry experience before I could pursue my further education. Having worked with the organization for 3 years, I decided to move on to the next chapter of my life and quit the job in May 2022 to pursue my master’s degree. I got into Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD, Savannah) and am currently pursuing my MA in Fashion Design.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe the journey cannot always be smooth. The hurdles we face make us stronger and help us evolve as individuals. After gaining some industry perspective in India, I am very excited to be here in the United States as a student and explore the dynamics of the American fashion industry. As a budding fashion designer, I always try to find new inspirations to constantly keep up with the industry while trying to enhance my skills and bring something new to the table every time. The only challenge I faced when I began at SCAD in the Fall of 2022 was bridging the gap as I had a work experience in fashion styling while my niche remains fashion design. As I successfully finished my first quarter at SCAD, I believe I have bridged that gap, and I am thrilled at the prospect of learning something new every day as a SCAD student.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Through the course of my under graduation, I actively participated in national and international design competitions and won many. This gave me an understanding of my design philosophy and establish a signature style. My design aesthetic over the years has evolved as very soft, feminine, and romantic. I was always drawn towards women’s fashion and haute couture; hence I love to work around complex concepts for my designs and create extraordinary silhouettes which are challenging to achieve as I think that is the best way to keep learning and growing as a creative individual.
My work through my Instagram page @theloveofflatlays teaches me to capture aesthetics in anything and everything around me, which in turn also helps me as a designer. I believe what sets me apart is my design philosophy, which is to portray complex concepts through elaborate yet feminine designs.
Today. I find myself trying to constantly create newer versions of my designs which include heavy use of fabric manipulations. Embroideries and soft and delicate fabrics.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well, people tend to believe I have a clear and straightforward design process when it comes to my design collections. However, they find it surprising to know that I arrive there after making my way through a maze of mixed thoughts and ideas, be it the concept itself or how I imagine to portray it through my designs. Many times, I find myself in a creative dilemma while I decide on my fabrics, colours, embroideries, and designs. I believe this is the most crucial phase of the design process, and it helps me grow with every new project that I undertake.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloveofflatlays/ https://instagram.com/shrutee_design?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutee-tokekar-15024912a/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/shruteetokea62
