We were lucky to catch up with Poorna Preethika Buragadda recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Poorna Preethika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

“Petals and Palms” is a special project for me as a fashion designer, especially coming from a background in knitwear. I always wanted to go beyond the usual, and this collection truly reflects my style. The idea came to me when I started appreciating the culture I grew up in, especially the significance of flowers in Indian rituals. Each flower has its own meaning, and I wanted to bring that into my designs. I decided to focus on Resort wear and came up with the concept of “Transitional Resort wear.” These outfits can go from a fancy yacht party to a more relaxed setting while still looking unique—a challenge that excited me.
To capture the vibrancy of flowers, I played with prints, appliqué, and embroidery techniques. The designs looked great, but I felt they were missing some structure and drama from my initial sketches. That’s where Professor Jens Kaeumle, my mentor, came in. With his guidance, I added structure and went big with my silhouettes, and suddenly, my designs came to life. Professor Jens was a huge support, helping me stay on the right track.
The toughest part was constructing my garments. I experimented a lot with muslins and carefully chose fabrics, colors, and techniques. One of my proudest achievements was seamlessly combining appliqué onto knits and blending eveningwear elements into swimwear.
Looking back, “Petals and Palms” is a collection I talk proudly about. It’s a mix of cultural inspiration, creative design, and the support I got from mentors like Professor Jens Kaeumle. This collection not only shows how I’ve grown as a designer but also proves that amazing things can happen when you push your creative limits.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi there! I’m Poorna Preethika Buradadda from Hyderabad, India. When I was a kid, I loved art and colors, and I enjoyed painting, sketching, and trying out different art forms like glass and oil painting. At fourteen, I had my first art exhibition in Hyderabad, and in high school, I started drawing dresses, which kicked off my journey into the world of fashion. Choosing fashion as a career, especially coming from a South Indian background, wasn’t always seen as a typical choice. However, my parents, despite not having much formal education, were super supportive. In 2018, I got into the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Hyderabad, and that was a big moment for me. Doing well academically was exciting because I was studying something I truly loved. I graduated with a degree in knitwear design, and one of my favourite projects focused on using pharmaceutical packaging waste and fabric techniques to talk about the misuse of over-the-counter medicines in India.
After graduating, I jumped into the MA in Fashion program at SCAD. It’s been an eye-opening experience, giving me a global view of fashion. The exposure and opportunities have been fantastic. This journey has not only taught me about fashion but has also helped me discover more about myself as a creative and a fashion designer. It’s something that really makes my soul happy.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As a fashion designer, my heart is in creating styles that deliberately stand out from passing trends. I draw inspiration from India’s diverse cultural heritage, weaving handlooms and native crafts into my designs. What drives me is the commitment to preserving and celebrating our country’s rich heritage, making it not only culturally vibrant but also relatable on a global scale.

I specialize in working with prints and crafting silhouettes in a way that’s both unique and practical for everyday wear. My goal is to find that perfect balance between being original and ensuring that each piece is not just eye-catching but also easy to incorporate into daily life.

With a deep dedication and respect for craftsmanship, I see my work as an ongoing journey of storytelling through designs. I genuinely want to invite others to appreciate not only the surface beauty but also the profound narratives woven into each creation. It’s more than just fashion to me; it’s a genuine celebration of cultural richness and a sincere reflection of the intricate tales behind every piece.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Choosing a career in the creative field was definitely a leap of faith, and this decision came with its set of challenges. Apart from the academic pressure, my family faced a significant personal setback that deeply impacted me emotionally and mentally. This experience forced a drastic shift in my perspective and outlook on life. Even when things were tough, I didn’t give up. Fashion became more than just a career; it was like a steady anchor that kept me going when times were hard. It gave me motivation and a way to stay focused when everything felt chaotic. Looking back, I see every part of my journey, the ups, and the downs were important for my growth. I realize I wouldn’t be where I am today, in my personal and professional life, without going through those tough times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://preethika0878.wixsite.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_poornapreethika_?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poorna-preethika-12b14a228/

Image Credits
Profile photo- Photographer- Vamsi Billupati First 2 images-fashion editorial- photographer – Juswin Jacob last image- photographer- Shashank Giduthuri In frame- Peehu Jain, Shivani