“Engineering is a safe option… there's no real future in fashion designing.”
That's what I heard again and again from relatives, neighbours, and even friends. But deep down, I knew that designing is where my heart truly belonged. I was in my second year of engineering when I realised I couldn't fake my interest anymore. Circuits, machines, and coding didn't excite me. After every semester, one question kept repeating in my head. “Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” One night, I pulled out my old sketchbooks. The designs I used to draw in school, the fabrics I dreamt of using, the colours I imagined on a runway – it all came flooding back. And at that moment, I made my decision.
I was going to leave engineering and join a fashion design course in Kolkata.
Breaking the News
My mother got emotional, and my father was a little upset. But surprisingly, when I clearly explained that I wanted to join one of the top fashion designing courses in Kolkata, and showed them all the research I had done, their reaction softened.
My mother said, “If your heart is truly in it, then go for it.”
And that was all the support I needed.
The First Day of Fashion School
I joined a well-known institute offering some of the best fashion courses in Kolkata. Walking onto the campus felt like stepping into a new world filled with colour, creativity, and a different kind of energy.
There were no uniforms, no dull lectures, and no judgment – only self-expression, creativity, and fashion.
Our first class was on fabric study. I quickly realised that fashion designing isn't just about sketching gowns or lehengas. It's a beautiful blend of art, culture, technique, and innovation. We explored how textiles are made, their texture, fall, stretch – everything. It was exciting and eye-opening.
From Classroom to Runway
Designing assignments, last-minute submissions, all-nighters in the lab, and endless cups of coffee – this became my new routine. I'll admit, there were moments of doubt and stress. But every time I saw my design come to life, whether it was a simple kurti or a bold, experimental look, I felt proud.
One turning point was our annual fashion showcase. Each student had to present one full outfit. I created a structured blazer using handwoven fabric inspired by tribal art. The applause I received when my model walked the runway – I'll never forget that feeling.
That was the moment I truly knew I had made the right decision.
Building Confidence and a Career
Joining one of the top fashion designing courses in Kolkata taught me so much more than just design. It helped build my confidence and creativity.
We had regular workshops with well-known designers, field trips to textile mills, styling classes, and software training. Slowly, I started understanding the business side of fashion too – branding, pricing, merchandising, and trend forecasting.
Then came the internship phase. I worked with a local boutique in Kolkata for two months. I assisted with styling, fittings, client interaction, and even photo shoots. Every day was a new learning experience.
What People Said vs What I Learnt
People used to say, “Fashion isn't a serious career.”
Now those same people ask me, “Where can my daughter apply for a good fashion design course in Kolkata?”
My journey proves that following your passion is never easy, but it is always worth it.
Fashion is not just about glamour or celebrities. It involves hard work, creativity, late nights, problem-solving, and constant learning. But it's also incredibly rewarding.
Today, I work on a ready-to-wear label and am planning to launch my first capsule collection next year. It's a small beginning, but it's mine, and I'm proud of it.
Thinking About Switching Careers?
If you're stuck in a career that doesn't make you happy, it's okay to change paths. Following your passion may feel risky, but it's often the most fulfilling decision you can make.
Kolkata offers some of the finest fashion courses in Kolkata, covering everything from styling and garment construction to fashion marketing and sustainable design. Whether you're interested in bridal couture, textiles, or the fashion business, there are a variety of fashion designing courses in Kolkata to choose from.
Do your research, talk to alumni, visit campuses, and pick a fashion design course in Kolkata that aligns with your goals and interests.
Final Words
The shift from engineering to fashion wasn't easy. I moved from circuits to colour palettes, from textbooks to sketchbooks. But it was worth every step. Today, I wake up excited to design, to create, and to express myself through fashion. And that, to me, is what a real career should feel like. If you've ever dreamed of becoming a designer but felt unsure or discouraged, take this as a sign: trust your gut. Fashion is not just a field; it's a powerful emotion. And if Kolkata is where your design journey begins, then you're in the right place. The city is full of creativity, inspiration, and endless stories waiting to be told through your designs.
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