Fashion Mentorship: From Classroom to Runway

In my mentorship sessions at SOFT Pune, we move beyond sketching. I teach students how to construct looks using unconventional tools like safety pins, hair clips, and texture layering, ensuring they can execute high-fashion concepts even when resources are limited. It is about learning to solve styling problems under the pressure of a live graduate runway show, not just designing for a portfolio.

The journey from a student sketchpad to a graduate runway showcase is rarely linear. As a visiting faculty at SOFT Pune, my objective is to teach students that styling is a high-pressure, collaborative sport. We treat every classroom project as a professional assignment, forcing students to handle continuity sheets, steaming, and model fittings alongside their creative direction.

The Methodology

My approach to mentorship is hands-on. We spend significant time on technical skills that schools often skip—Pantone color theory, body type analysis, and non-stitch draping. When a student builds a portfolio with me, it is not filled with generic mood boards. It contains work that mirrors actual editorial shoots, complete with the logistical challenges of coordination, location scouting, and accessory sourcing.

Why Practical Mentorship Matters

Industry demands are evolving. Brands are not just looking for a good eye; they need stylists who understand the business of fashion—how to work with photographers, manage budget constraints, and communicate a vision to the production team. My students gain access to:

• Technical Breakdown: How to handle complex fabrics like tulle and heavy cottons.
• Portfolio Creative Direction: One-on-one sessions to finalize high-fashion concepts that stand out to future employers.
• On-Set Reality: Understanding the nuances of commercial and jewellery styling.

If you are looking to pivot from academic theory to professional creative execution, my mentorship programs are designed to provide the industry-ready skills that make this shift possible.