Paromita Banerjee’s initiation into the creative arts
has been inspired by her passion for photography and essentially from “just
looking around.” Her label “Paromita Banerjee” is inspired by the feel of
handloom fabrics and her garments emphasize feel of the “hand-made”. She is a
graduate of the prestigious design school, the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, India
and has been awarded a scholarship to Konstfack University of Art and Culture
in Stockholm.
She has undertaken numerous craft research projects
in and around India - the
major one being in Himachal Pradesh for the textile encyclopedia “Handmade in India”
an initiation of DCH in collaboration with NID. These experiences have gone on
to add to her knowledge bank, making her designs more ‘rooted’ and grounded.
She was the sole designer to represent India
at the Shanghai
chapter of the World Fashion Organization, under the United Nations at a summit
and fashion show to promote “Fashion for development and peace” in October
2010.
The brand works closely with artisan and craft
clusters around India
narrating the saga of the craft persons to recreate drapes and outfits that
define the aesthetic beauty of textiles. Inspired by the local dressing styles
of people of various regions, it is a mode of storytelling and each ensemble
tells a tale, rich in imagery and culture.
The brand is a Registered Designer Member of the
prestigious Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). At her Lakme Fashion Week ramp
debut in 2009, Marie Claire magazine heralded her as the most promising
new-comer for that season. Verve magazine in 2011 claimed her
to be one of the faces to watch out for, from the fashion circuit amongst
actresses, directors and musicians. For the second consecutive year of the Grazia
Young Fashion Awards (2012), she
has been awarded in the “Indi-Cool” category in their Anniversary April Issue;
last year she had won it in the “Green Thimble” category for eco-friendly
fashion. Last year in 2012 she was one of the five finalists for the British Council, Young Creative
Entrepreneur Award in Design for Social Impact.
The label “Paromita Banerjee” retails from
various boutiques around India from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad,
Mumbai, and hometown Kolkata and her clients include industrialists, member of
parliaments and those in the performing arts amongst others. Also available overseas
through select agents. Her commissioned work for reputed artists for their performances
has been lauded all across.
This year 2013 marks the brand’s debut ramp show at
Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week under the FDCI.