Vogue Education Presents: Nikita Karizma – Fashion Designer and Creative Director

Fashion Designer and Creative Director Nikita Karizma

Condé Nast College welcomed Nikita Karizma, British-Indian fashion designer and creative director of her London-based brand, for Vogue Education Presents. MA Luxury Brand Management student, Iman Zahid Hafeez, reports…

 

About Nikita Karizma

 

Nikita Karizma is a British-Indian fashion designer and the Creative Director of her eponymous brand. Her family’s three generations of experience in the fashion retail industry, specialising in the Indian saree, greatly influenced her. Nikita appreciated the saree as a symbol of cultural heritage, self-expression, and the Indian women’s identity. This inspired her to establish a label that celebrates unique identities and influences a new generation.

 

Nikita’s journey began with a custom order from the British girl group Little Mix. They were intrigued by the designs she showcased  at the London College of Fashion graduate show, where she graduated with first-class honours. As her work gained recognition, numerous celebrities turned to her for their pivotal pop-culture moments, solidifying her status as a sought-after designer. With increasing demand, Nikita expanded her services beyond custom client orders, leading to the establishment of the ready-to-wear Nikita Karizma label. The brand’s popularity grew exponentially, attracting a dedicated following of A-list celebrities in London, Los Angeles, and India.

 

Today, Nikita Karizma is synonymous with designs that radiate positivity and celebrate individuality. Inspired by the glamour of the Bollywood film industry in Mumbai and the rebellious spirit of London, Nikita consistently refines her signature aesthetic each season. Her remarkable fashion journey includes notable milestones such as dressing Paris Hilton for her music video alongside Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga wearing Nikita Karizma for the launch of her book ‘Channel Kindness’. Numerous A-list celebrities, including Halsey, Alicia Keys, Saweetie, Winnie Harlow, Avril Lavigne, Julia Fox, Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani, and Shay Mitchell, have sported Nikita Karizma designs, further strengthening the brand’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry.

 

Nikita’s Vision: A Fusion of Fashion and Creativity

 

Nikita is a fashion enthusiast who appreciates the fashion trends of the 90s and early 2000s. She draws inspiration from various sources, including Vivian Westwood’s rebellious British punk rock style, Versace’s colourful, flattering design and the traditional Indian saree that reflects her family roots. Nikita’s style is a blend of both cultures, creating a unique and distinct look. Always on the lookout for the latest trends, Nikita closely follows the outfits worn by the latest “it girls”. Among her favourite designers are Versace, Rick Owens, and Balenciaga. Additionally, she is captivated by the intricate embroidery work of Sabyasachi in India, demonstrating her attention to detail.

 

Nikita’s vision interweaves fashion and creativity, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. Nikita’s recent Mr. Lobster design, worn at The Fashion Awards by the British Fashion Council, encourages others to embrace uniqueness and step outside their comfort zones. 

 

In addition to her creative dedication, Nikita is committed to sustainability. Her studio has planted 250,000 trees to date, and she aims to plant a total of 1 million trees within the next 10 years. Through active participation in reforestation, Nikita showcases her commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

 

Key Takeaways

 

Nikita Karizma shared the following advice with the Condé Nast students.

 

  • Education and Long-term Planning: Nikita emphasised the importance of investing in education as a foundation for success, recognising that it provides valuable knowledge and skills that can advance an individual’s career and business. Additionally, she highlighted the need for long-term planning by setting goals and outlining steps to achieve them. 
  • Work-Life Balance: Nikita stressed the necessity of allocating time for personal life, as it enables individuals to approach their professional endeavours with a focused and positive mindset. Achieving this balance boosts productivity and overall well-being.
  • Fun with Fashion: dress for the occasion, whether it’s a fun event, party, concert, or spending time with friends. She encourages individuals to let loose and be more experimental with their fashion choices.

 

Words by Iman Zahid Hafeez – MA Luxury Brand Management student