Returning champion
Brunch|October 21, 2023
For designer Bibhu Mohapatra, who's dressed Michelle Obama and opera divas, India remains both the muse and the ultimate market
Noor Anand Chawla
Returning champion

On a balmy October evening, a well-heeled, glittering crowd descends on the newly refurbished Pragati Maidan, in the heart of Delhi. They settle around a large amphitheatre. Before long, fountains spout up toward the sky as the stage lights up. Vasundhara Vee, known for her soulful jazz and Sukanya Chattopadhyay, a singer of Hindustani classical, set the mood as models strut out wearing cocktail dresses, structured gowns, chic blazers, slinky skirts, and other embellished outfits. Bibhu Mohapatra is back. The OG ambassador for Indian design abroad showed on home turf after nearly a decade.

Cutting edge

Mohapatra, 51, was born in Odisha but left for the US in 1996 to pursue a degree in Economics. While there, he signed up for a sewing job at the costume shop on campus to help with their in-house production of Cyrano de Bergerac. A professor ended up noticing his spark and skill, and encouraged him to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). It changed not only Mohapatra's journey, but that of Indian fashion too. His eponymous label has been worn by Michelle Obama, Kendall Jenner, and A-list actors such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Zendaya, Glenn Close, Priyanka Chopra, and Deepika Padukone.

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 21, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BRUNCHSe alt
Staying well within range
Brunch

Staying well within range

Driving from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar in an XC40 Recharge at night means going against the odds but it's not dangerous

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Forget demure, forget mindful
Brunch

Forget demure, forget mindful

Women are expected to dress their age. But why should arbitrary numbers dictate anyone's choices? Wear what you want, when you want

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Bubbling under, boiling over
Brunch

Bubbling under, boiling over

The year's best food yet, from Bandra to Seoul, from old names and new, from starters to afters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 14. 2024
The new spin doctors
Brunch

The new spin doctors

Come for the hooping, stay for fire poi, dapostar, leviwand and more. India's newest subculture blends art and athletics, meditation and showmanship, public and private. And it looks great on the 'gram

time-read
4 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Shall we put a label on this?
Brunch

Shall we put a label on this?

What is high fructose corn syrup? Is red dye good? Dieticians and nutritionists break down the confusing stuff we see on food labels

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
Pho heaven's sake, explore!
Brunch

Pho heaven's sake, explore!

There's more to Vietnam than the Golden Bridge or Ha Long Bay. Discover limestone cliffs, rice terraces, and local foods that haven't made it to the 'gram

time-read
2 mins  |
September 14. 2024
No. Wait. She did what?
Brunch

No. Wait. She did what?

These mean girls are self-centred, bratty, and can make your life hell. But they stole the show. Read on, loser. And tell us how it wasssss

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Are you seeing spots too?
Brunch

Are you seeing spots too?

Jyoti Bhatt's serigraphs use traditional symbols in modern ways, creating art that is slyly clever and full of little stories

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Leave us to our own devices
Brunch

Leave us to our own devices

Instead of banning gadgets, restaurants should ban people that are actually disturbing the peace

time-read
2 mins  |
September 07, 2024
Siam Siam, but different
Brunch

Siam Siam, but different

The reason Indians feel instantly at home in Thailand is because their mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions so closely mirrors our own, creating a comfort zone abroad

time-read
3 mins  |
September 07, 2024