Carmel High School student, Sanjana Jain, brings attention to the young fashion designers in Indiana. Her wedding lengha design, which combined Indian and American bridal styles, landed her first place at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competition in Indiana. Now, she’s advancing her to the national FCCLA competition for fashion design. We spoke with Sanjana on her design for the competition and what she did in preparation.
Astrid Buquer: Can you describe the process behind your designs?
Sanjana Jain: I’ve always had a vision of Indian and American bridal gowns. I grew up in America. I wanted both in my bridal gown for when I get married. That was definitely the thinking process of it. I went and looked for fabric that matches my personality, which was this red fabric. Red is also a traditional color to get married in Indian culture. It’s also FCCLA’s color. That’s how the design process came and then the lengha is a simple lengha design that every Indian bridal gown has.
AB: Would you say that your designs will continue to be a fusion of cultures? Are you looking into designing more bridal designs?
SJ: The fashion design competition asks competitors to find something that has not been done, like a problem. Last year I did sustainability. I designed a prom dress that could be used as a shirt and a skirt rather than just one prom dress. You can honestly do anything you want. I decided to do a culture-fusion thing because I wanted some part of my heritage to show. I am looking towards a more formal red-carpet look for the future.
AB: Do your classes in school aid in achieving your goals as a designer?
SJ: For sure. Right now, I’m preparing to do an internship with a fashion designer. I definitely would not have gotten the opportunity without my school helping me. I’m currently taking fashion classes at school. It’s not easy to have a fashion program and fund it. A lot of the techniques and simple things that you need to learn are taught in school. My teachers, who are not even in fashion, encouraged me to do everything. It is a really supportive group. I think that’s one of the biggest parts of why I had that opportunity—the supportive environment.
AB: What is your background in design? What made you interested?
SJ: I’ve been sewing since I was a kid. My mom taught me how to sew my first stitch. Everything else I learned on YouTube. I took my first fashion class in freshman year, and I’ve been doing it since. I’m in the fourth year of it. There’s Indian designers that I follow and I love. It’s just so different and unique to see their designs, and I love that. Honestly, I like to do my own things because it’s unique and I like taking ideas from what my mom says. I also take from what other people around me want and actually are gonna buy.
AB: What can we expect to see from you in the future?
SJ: Formal red carpet wear. I am making a collection right now for the next fashion design FCCLA competition.
