We recently connected with Apurva Jadhav and have shared our conversation below.

Apurva, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my final collection at SCAD, Empower Essence. It was more than just a fashion line; it was a personal and professional statement about breaking gender stereotypes in the workplace.

The Backstory
The idea was born out of my observations of traditional corporate wear, which often perpetuates outdated notions of masculinity and femininity. I wanted to challenge those norms by creating a ready-to-wear collection that balanced “hard” and “soft” elements, merging sharp, structured tailoring with flowing, feminine details. Inspired by the architectural genius of Frank Gehry, the designs incorporated futuristic shapes and textures to symbolize breaking free from traditional molds.

The Process
The journey was anything but smooth. Sourcing materials that embodied this balance was a challenge, and I faced numerous technical setbacks, including tight deadlines and unexpected delays in material deliveries. I often worked late into the night, stitching samples myself and tweaking designs to align with my vision. There were moments of doubt, but the purpose behind the collection kept me going—it wasn’t just about fashion; it was about empowerment and equality.

Why It’s Meaningful
This project allowed me to use fashion as a medium for conversation and change, addressing issues I deeply care about. Seeing the finished collection on the runway and hearing how it resonated with others was incredibly rewarding. It was a moment where my creative passion and personal values aligned perfectly, showcasing my ability to use design as a tool for storytelling and societal impact.

This project reminded me why I pursued this field: to create designs that empower, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. It’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of purpose-driven work.

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?

About Me, My Work, and My Brand
Hello! My name is Apurva Jadhav, a passionate and creative force in the fashion industry with over 4 years of experience. I have a diverse background that includes fashion design, merchandising, branding, and technical design. With a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology and a Master’s in Fashion (MA) from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) where I graduated with a 3.80 GPA, I have honed my skills in creating designs that blend art, functionality, and innovation.

My journey into the fashion world began with my love for crafting unique, wearable stories that empower people to express themselves. Over time, this passion evolved into a full-fledged career, encompassing a wide array of roles and responsibilities across various facets of the industry.

My Work and Services
I specialize in fashion design, brand strategy, product development, and technical design, offering end-to-end solutions for brands looking to make a mark. My skills include:

Fashion Design: From ready-to-wear collections to bridal and jewelry, I bring concepts to life with a focus on structure, aesthetics, and storytelling. My collections like Empower Essence and Desert Lush highlight my ability to tackle themes like gender stereotypes or nature’s beauty while creating wearable, statement-making pieces.
Product Development: I work hands-on with design teams to create tech packs, develop patterns, and oversee grading, ensuring that each product is crafted to perfection.
Brand Strategy: I help brands like Ivory & Main define their voice, create engaging marketing campaigns, and build strong connections with their audience. From social media strategies to magazine layouts and podcast promotions, I ensure brands stand out in competitive markets.
Creative Marketing: I develop strategies for interactive Instagram content, such as ‘Tailoring Tuesday’ or Q&A sessions for ready-to-wear and bridal wear, which engage and retain audiences.

My Approach
What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly merge creativity and strategy. Whether it’s creating the Instagram campaign, or conceptualizing a futuristic corporate wear line, I always prioritize my clients’ needs while adding my unique artistic touch. My work is characterized by attention to detail, storytelling, and a contemporary aesthetic.

I also bring the practical experience of working as a fashion merchandiser for brands like SVA by Sonam and Paras Modi and with Ivory & Main as a technical Designer and Brand Strategist. This blend of artistry and industry know-how enables me to craft designs and strategies that resonate with both clients and audiences.

Accomplishments
Developed Empower Essence, a corporate wear collection tackling gender stereotypes, blending structured and futuristic design inspired by Frank Gehry’s architecture.
Designed Desert Lush, a Spring/Summer collection inspired by the Mojave Desert’s sunsets, appealing to a clientele of artists, socialites, and media personalities.
Working with Ivory & Main, transforming their social media presence with engaging, interactive Instagram strategies, and layouts for their in-house magazine.
Over seven years of stitching experience, bringing a hands-on approach to my creations.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I take immense pride in crafting designs and strategies that empower and inspire others. Whether it’s creating inclusive bridal wear or challenging societal norms through fashion, my goal is to make a meaningful impact. My work is not just about aesthetics but also about the stories and values they represent.

What I Want You to Know
I’m passionate about creating designs and strategies that truly resonate—whether it’s a bold ready-to-wear collection, a refined bridal concept, or a social media campaign that captures attention. My approach is collaborative, detail-oriented, and fueled by a deep understanding of what makes people feel seen and valued.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! My creative journey is driven by a mission to empower individuals and challenge societal norms through design. Whether it’s redefining workplace attire with collections like Empower Essence or creating inclusive bridal wear that celebrates every body type, my goal is to craft pieces that resonate on a personal and cultural level.

I aim to inspire confidence and individuality in the people who wear my designs while using fashion as a medium to spark conversations about inclusivity, gender equality, and sustainability. At its core, my work is about blending creativity with purpose, ensuring every piece or project tells a story that matters.

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

Certainly! One moment that stands out in my journey is during the creation of my final project collection, Empower Essence, at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). The concept revolved around addressing gender stereotypes in workplace attire by designing structured yet futuristic corporate wear. While the idea was bold and meaningful, executing it was far from easy.

From sourcing materials that embodied the perfect balance of “hard” and “soft” to refining designs that echoed Frank Gehry’s architectural brilliance, the process was filled with challenges. A pivotal moment came when an unexpected delay in fabric delivery threatened my tight timeline. With only weeks left, I had to pivot quickly—redesigning elements, experimenting with new materials, and stitching pieces myself late into the night.

The experience tested my resilience and resourcefulness, but it also reminded me why I pursued this path: to push boundaries and tell stories through fashion. Despite the obstacles, the collection came to life as a powerful statement, earning recognition for its innovation and thoughtfulness.

That journey reaffirmed my belief that challenges are opportunities to grow, and with determination and creativity, any hurdle can be turned into a stepping stone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jadhavapurvasanjay.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: apurvajadhav_6
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apurvasanjayjadhav/