We were lucky to catch up with Shrutee Tokekar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shrutee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

My internship at Anne Barge Bridal Atelier in Atlanta, GA over the Summer of 2023 was an absolute dream come true for me. As someone with a passion for evening wear, having the opportunity to work in the bridal fashion industry was an extraordinary experience. Throughout my time as an intern, I was exposed to the inner workings of this niche market, gaining insights into bridal gown design, production, and the unique intricacies of the bridal fashion world. What truly made this internship special was the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented professionals. From assembling studio furniture to assisting the production team with the new collection, the diversity of tasks allowed me to enhance my skills and gain a holistic understanding of the bridal atelier’s operations. This practical, hands-on experience was invaluable and helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. Moreover, it provided me with a strong foundation for my future career in evening wear. Overall, my internship at Anne Barge was a transformative experience that fueled my passion and equipped me with knowledge and expertise.

Shrutee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m originally from Pune, Maharashtra, India, and my interest in fashion started when I was quite young. As a child, I was captivated by fashion magazines and immersed myself in online dress-up games, an early indication of where my true interests lay. Fortunately, I am blessed with unwavering support from my parents, who encouraged my creative aspirations. In 2019, I completed my undergraduate degree in Fashion Design with distinction from the prestigious School of Fashion Technology in India, earning accolades for academic excellence and a coveted gold medal from the university. Straight out of university, I embarked on a fulfilling career journey by joining Firstcry.com, Asia’s largest e-commerce platform specializing in maternity and kids’ wear. Initially taking on the role of a Fashion Stylist, my dedication and skills led to a promotion in 2021, where I assumed the role of Senior Fashion Stylist. In this capacity, I had the privilege of spearheading major fashion campaign photoshoots and taking charge of the styling and art direction for the company’s in-house brand, ‘Earthy Touch.’ This role proved to be a pivotal learning experience, shaping my career trajectory and instilling in me a sense of direction regarding my educational pursuits. Driven by my passion for aesthetics, in the summer of 2021, I launched my own Instagram account, @theloveofflatlays, dedicated to showcasing flatlays and product styling projects. I personally handled the photography and styling for all the content I shared. This venture gained traction, leading me to venture into freelancing. I began collaborating with numerous fashion brands, crafting visually appealing imagery to showcase their products. To this day, I continue to actively curate content for my Instagram page.
In 2022, I took the next significant step in my journey by securing admission to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia, for their MA Fashion Design program. This incredible opportunity not only signified a fresh start as I relocated to the United States, but it’s also a journey I’m currently undertaking. When I complete my studies in March 2024, I aim to carve out my own unique design style within the realm of evening wear.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being a fashion designer, I find immense fulfilment in the process of translating my creative visions into actual garments that people can wear and cherish. It’s like a magical journey, beginning with a simple concept or an idea, and witnessing it blossom into a carefully crafted piece of clothing. What makes it even more special for me is the conscious effort I put into establishing a personal connection with each of my fashion collections. This connection is the heart and soul of my work, reminding me of the genuine reasons that led me to choose this path in the fashion industry. Ultimately, the sheer joy of sharing my artistic expression with the world through clothing is what keeps my passion alive and thriving.

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

In my creative pursuit, I have a distinct purpose – to constantly manifest my ideas through the medium of clothing and, in doing so, evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia with every collection I craft. My goal is to amass valuable work experience, honing my skills and knowledge in the fashion industry, with the ultimate ambition of establishing my own fashion label. This journey is not only about my personal growth but also about contributing something meaningful to the world of fashion, creating pieces that resonate with people and evoke a sense of connection and nostalgia.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shrutee_design/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrutee-tokekar-15024912a/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/theloveofflatlays/ https://www.behance.net/shruteetokea62