AN INDUSTRIAL INSIGHT BY A SEASONED FASHION EXPERT – MS. REENA KRISHNAN 

JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore organized an industry talk session with Ms. Reena Krishnan, Senior Consultant and Owner at REE Soul Free Design on 12^th December 2019 for the students of Fashion Designing. The session provided students an insight into the fashion industry and ways to be well-equipped for a professional life.

A trained Illustrator, Ms. Krishnan is a seasoned industry expert with 26 years of experience in the textile industry. She took the students through her transition from an Illustrator, to working with some of the biggest names in the fashion and soft furnishings industry. Her foray into fashion began with a chance opportunity that took her out of her hometown and opened new doors of learning in an industry she was in-adept at. However, her training in illustration had kept her in good stead, due to the lack of design softwares during her starting years, alongwith a sense of colour and creativity. With the requisite training at her job helped her gain access to various departments of a manufacturing unit. Understanding the workings of various processes in an organization enabled her to be well-versed with the nuances of the trade and also encouraged students to follow suit if they want to be accomplished professionals.

Ms. Krishnan advised students that one must be sound with their basics and also gain practical experience through groundwork and internships which provides real time knowledge and an edge over peers. She advised the students to be well armed with the Illustrator software, as it is the demand of the industry and without which they would not be welcome, as gone are the times of manual illustration. Plus being technologically savvy saves on time to create sketches and make presentations to the client. Technology plays an important role and everyone has information to global designs and techniques. However, a human translation of these designs is still imperative and hence, one must be equipped with thorough design education alongwith the market requirements.

She warned the students that they will face hurdles along the way, with people engaged through the production cycle; however, they need to stand their ground and have confidence in themselves, the research and the work done by them to tackle the situation. Ms. Krishnan also advised students to be thorough with their research work as various fabrics are affected differently during treatment and hence, research is important to provide direction in how it needs to be treated. In the same manner research also helps to be cost effective while finding vendors and making negotiations. Also research is essential as every piece of fabric and trims count as a small miscalculation in the process can cost heavy losses. Ms. Krishnan recommended students to observe and attend conferences and exhibitions to gain market knowledge and keep abreast of trends.

The session provided students with much need advise from an industry expert and helped them understand their areas of improvement. Ms. Krishnan answered their pressing questions and provided them with helpful tips. To conclude she advised students that it is important to be humble and grounded in order to work alongside big establishments. She also told them that learning does not stop once the course is over but needs to continue even whilst working.