In the heart of Indore, a new force in fashion is making waves. Miss Deepika Sharma Ojha, a dynamic entrepreneur has been steadily building her name in the industry. As the founder of Elegant of International Designer (E.I.D), Deepika has already left an indelible mark with her first successful event, The Fusion Runway in May 2024. Now, she is gearing up to dazzle the fashion world again with her second runway show Paridhaan, scheduled for October 18th and 19th.
We caught up with this trailblazing entrepreneur to discuss her journey, the upcoming show, and her vision for the future of Indian fashion.
Q1: Deepika, you’ve quickly become a name to watch in the fashion industry. What inspired you to start Elegant of International Designer (E I.D) and organize fashion shows like Fusion Runway and Paridhaan?
Deepika: Thank you, My journey into fashion began with a deep love for Indian culture and design. Growing up in Indore, I was always surrounded by the vibrant colors, rich textiles, and traditional crafts that define our cultural heritage. I felt a strong urge to bring these elements to the forefront of modern fashion. E.I.D was born out of this passion. With Fusion Runway, I aimed to blend contemporary styles with traditional Indian designs. Paridhaan is an extension of that vision, focusing even more on promoting and celebrating our diverse culture through fashion.
Q2: Fusion Runway was a huge success. What can we expect from Paridhaan?
Deepika: Paridhaan is going to be a celebration of Indian culture like never before. We’re bringing together designers from all over the country who share a common goal: to showcase the beauty and versatility of Indian fashion. The event will feature everything from traditional attire like sarees and lehengas to contemporary outfits with a cultural twist. We’re also incorporating performances that reflect India’s rich heritage. My goal is to create an immersive experience that not only highlights our traditions but also inspires the younger generation to take pride in them.
Q3: The Indian fashion industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. How do you see Paridhaan contributing to this trend?
Deepika: The Indian fashion industry is indeed growing rapidly, and there’s a renewed appreciation for our cultural roots. With Paridhaan, I hope to contribute by providing a platform for emerging designers who are passionate about Indian fashion. I believe that by promoting traditional designs in a contemporary context, we can help level up the industry and make Indian fashion more globally recognized. This event is about pushing boundaries and showcasing the endless possibilities within our cultural framework.
Q4: As a young entrepreneur, what challenges have you faced in organizing such large-scale events, and how have you overcome them?
Deepika: Organizing large-scale events like Fusion Runway and Paridhaan definitely comes with its challenges. From coordinating with designers, models, and sponsors to ensuring every detail is perfect, it’s a lot of work. But I believe in the power of a strong team. Surrounding myself with passionate, talented people who share my vision has been key to overcoming these challenges. It’s also about staying adaptable and being open to new ideas. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot when necessary is crucial.
Q5: What’s next for you after Paridhaan? Any plans or goals for the future?
Deepika: After Paridhaan, I’m already thinking about the next steps. My ultimate goal is to establish E.I.D as a leading fashion house that not only promotes Indian fashion but also supports sustainable and ethical practices within the industry. I’m also exploring the idea of launching a line of clothing that reflects the fusion of traditional and modern designs we’ve been showcasing in our runway shows. There’s so much potential, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
