Empowering Lives Through Fashion and Education: The Journey of Itishree Sahoo

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Itishree developed a passion for fashion and design at a young age. She pursued her education in fashion design, earning an (link unavailable) in Fashion Design from Ranchi, a P.G. Diploma in Fashion Technology from J.D. Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai, and a P.G. Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing Technology from Utkal University of Culture. Her educational background also includes a (link unavailable) in Botany from Utkal University and specialized training in weaving, dyeing, printing, Fevicry painting, and entrepreneurship development.

Professional Experience

Throughout her career, Itishree has worked with various institutions and organizations, including KIIT Deemed University, Odisha, where she served as a faculty member at the School of Fashion Technology. She has also worked as a visiting faculty for entrepreneurship development programs in fashion designing, pot painting and appliqué work at the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development, Odisha. Additionally, she has lectured at the National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFD) and International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) on various topics, including drafting, jewellery making, embroidery and garment construction techniques.

Empowering Lives Through Fashion and Education: The Journey of Itishree Sahoo

In the world of fashion and design, few individuals have made as profound an impact as Itishree Sahoo. As an empanelled designer with the Government of India, specializing in fashion education and handicrafts, Itishree has dedicated her life to empowering individuals through education, skill development and creativity. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has championed various government initiatives, empowered students, housewives and underprivileged individuals and preserved traditional arts, incorporating them into innovative fashion designs.

Awards and Achievements

Itishree's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Honoris Causa Doctorate Award (2022) by Magic Book of Record, Outstanding Faculty of the Year (2022) by CEGR, and India Prime Top 100 Women Icon Award by FoxClues. She has also received the Humanitarian Excellence Award (2022) by I CAN Foundation and the Best Indo-Western Dress of the Year (2021) by Khadi Design Council of India.

Craft and Fashion Expertise

As a craft and fashion expert, Itishree specializes in various techniques, including drafting, pattern making, surface ornamentation, CAD, textile illustration and quality control. She is also skilled in embroidery, including machine techniques like Zardozi, Kashmiri and lace work, as well as handwork like satin, chikankari, beads and sequence embroidery. Her craft expertise extends to Pattachitra, glass painting, ceramic painting, pottery, Tanjore painting, bonsai and appliqué work.

Philosophy and Future Plans

Itishree believes in the power of innovation and sustainability, working tirelessly to promote traditional crafts, empower women and inspire the next generation of designers through her dedication to education and design. She aspires to continue fostering innovation, education and empowerment while creating designs that not only inspire but also make a tangible difference in society.

Itishree Sahoo's journey as a fashion designer, educator and craft innovator has been driven by a passion for empowering lives through education, skill development and creativity. Her contributions to the world of fashion and design have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades and her commitment to social causes and sustainability continues to inspire others. As a true icon in the fashion industry, Itishree Sahoo's legacy will continue to empower and inspire generations to come.