SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, June 27: Srishti Tiwari, a Dubai-based fashion designer and entrepreneur from Dhanbad, Jharkhand is known for reinventing ensembles for contemporary women along with maintaining India’s rich tradition. With her rich collection, Tiwari has created a distinct and unique identity and is known for it among several elite circles in both Dubai and India.
Contemporary silhouettes with heritage textiles and traditional embroidery techniques are what compel Srishti to redefine her collections and keep the true essence of ‘Indian at heart’. Through her brand ‘Nari by Srishti’, Tiwari aims to represent hope, infinite dreams and the essence of being a woman.
Along with being the founder of Naari by Srishti, an upbeat fashion house, the Dada Saheb Phalke Icon Award winner for ‘Best Designer’ is also the Director of the Indian International Beauty Pageant. Through her initiatives, Srishti aims to encourage women, young girls and kids by providing Miss/Mrs International Queen Dubai (MMIQD) with a platform to fulfil their dreams.
Here are excerpts of her conversation with a lagatar24.com correspondent.
What kind of work do you do?
I want to work to empower women who want to get into something like showbiz but have never had a platform for it. Size does not matter to me, what matters is talent. If they are talented, they will get equal opportunities and platforms here despite their size.
When did you realise that you wanted to do something like this?
I always wanted to become a fashion designer, however, there weren’t many opportunities in Dhanbad. My father was an employee of BCCL and we were three sisters, wherein I was the youngest. I would say I knew I would have to struggle to fulfil my dream.
My life changed when I met my husband. He had started supporting and guiding me even before marriage and does so till date. Even my in-laws have been very supportive. This has helped me to work not for money but to provide a platform for other women.
How did you start your venture in Dubai?
I did my course at the International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) Delhi, during which time I met my now-husband. It was a love cum arranged marriage. After marriage, I kept working and teaching children. My husband realised that I wanted to do something for those that wanted help and support. I also had a boutique by the name of Srishti’s Creation for some time.
We soon shifted to Mumbai, wherein I was working as a freelance fashion designer. I was here for seven years. After this, we shifted to Al Ain around Dubai in 2009 after my husband received a job offer. The area was a very down-to-earth region, wherein if someone was there for a job, under a job visa, we could not start a business. However, I had started ‘Nari’ online.
Soon we shifted to Dubai in 2019 and started the business. I started working to get an opportunity and tried working with organisations. Soon I got an opportunity to work as a designer and have never looked back now.
You have connections in Bollywood. How did that happen?
Nari showed me all the paths. I was able to connect with celebrities like Bhagya Shree, Padmini Kolhapuri, Mahima Chaudhary, and Nikki Tamboli among others. They are not only my clients but are also a part of the Nari by Srishti family. They not only wear dresses designed by me but also suggest ideas to better my designs.
I began doing pageants for women. I also wanted to do something different from what was happening in Dubai. I initially thought of bringing Bollywood here, and I did bring Bhagya Shree as my very first client.
Bhagya Shree is also very supportive of me and is present at every one of my shows here, for which I am grateful. At present, I have brands like Midday and IIFA among others that support me.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to open an institute for stitching, which I want to use to empower women. I want to work with those women that don’t have a proper support system and are in dire need of becoming self-independent. I hope I get this opportunity in the future.
