SARITA KARANDIKAR From Fashion Designer to Conscious Entrepreneur

Sarita Karandikar's career trajectory is a testament to the transformative power of passion, reinvention, and unwavering creativity.

- Seeja Prabhu

A woman of many facets, from a celebrated fashion designer to a theatre stylist and now the founder of a sustainable brand, Mrs. Karandikar's story is one of evolution-both personal and professional-as she continues to redefine her path with each new chapter.

Early Years: A Foundation of Artistic Exploration

Born and raised in Bombay before moving to Pune, Mrs. Karandikar's childhood was infused with a deep appreciation for the arts. "Our parents encouraged us to explore everything, from painting and dancing to cinema and crafts," she shares. Growing up alongside her brother and twin sister, she was constantly surrounded by creativity and expression.

Her formal education began at St. Ursula High School in Pune, followed by a degree in Home Science with a focus on Textiles and Clothing from SNDT College. "By the time I was in eighth grade, I knew I wanted to become a fashion designer," she recalls. But it wasn't until the launch of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in 1990 that Mrs. Karandikar's dream truly began to take shape. She joined the second batch of the prestigious institution, an experience that she holds dear to this day. "I still take great pride in saying, 'I'm from the second batch of NIFT!""

The Early Days of Fashion Design: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Mrs. Karandikar's career in fashion design began in the early 1990s when she helped put Pune on the fashion map. Her journey started with mass-market women's wear while also creating bespoke collections for high-profile clients in cities like Bombay, Delhi, and Kolkata. "I designed collections for brands like Sheetal, Big Jo's, and Kali," she says. "It was a period of self-discovery, as I balanced industry work with personal designer wear for clients."