Simone Oliver
Strategic Advisor & Editor at Large
Cultural Heritage & creativity
With the rise of social media and a peak in entrepreneurs, all industries have changed. More entrepreneurial spirits have been established, creating new brands and practices. However, entrepreneurship is not enough to be successful in the industry. Creativity is a crucial part of working in the fashion industry. So how can you pave your own way in the industry, using creativity and entrepreneurship? Bibhu Mohapatra is a prime example of combining the two and building a successful brand from the bottom up. Let’s have a look.
Bibhu Mohapatra was born in 1972 in Orissa, on the east coast of India. He was the son of an artist mother and engineer father, describing his childhood as very happy. Upon being asked if his childhood influenced his career, Mohapatra replied that his heritage is present in his designs to this day. The beautiful fabrics and embroideries he was surrounded by in India are visible in every collection. Bibhu said that only once he left India, he truly realize what beauty he used to be surrounded by. He moved to America in 1996, obtaining a master’s degree in Economics. In 1999, he enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology, setting the foundation for the career path he was about to enter.
Bibhu Mohapatra was heavily influenced by his heritage. His mother was an artist and homemaker, who taught him how to sew at only 10 years old. His father was an engineer and entrepreneur. Mohapatra spent his weekends taking motorcycles apart with his father before reassembling them until sundown. This helped him become as precise and knowledgeable as he is today. After obtaining his degree and enrolling into FIT, he was awarded the Critic’s Award for Best Evening Wear Designer, which helped launch his career. After graduating, he began his work at J. Mendel, obtaining the position of Design Director for nine years. This further displayed his immaculate talent and sense of style. However, after his time at J. Mendel and the increasing demand for his work, Bibhu ventured out on his own. What triggered this transition?
Mohapatra founded his business in 2008. When asked what drove this change, it was once again his heritage that encouraged him to take this step. Bibhu’s father was an entrepreneur in India, closely following his dream. His distant, yet inspiring leadership style influences Bibhu to this day. His job at J. Mendel was well paid and appreciated by Mohapatra.
Nevertheless, he knew that he needed to have something of his own to really express himself. He took a lot of time for the creative process, using his economic knowledge to help his launch. Launching in 2009, right after the great recession, a question he received a lot was “why?”. He explained he knew everyone was laying low and that the economy would turn back around. For him, this presented the perfect launch opportunity. His drive, and his father, inspired him to dare this move. This determination paid off, making the label into the huge success it is today.
As previously mentioned, a large influence on Mohapatra is his heritage. The professions of his parents shape his artistic and analytical side. His father was an entrepreneur himself, shaping not only Bibhu’s vision but also his leadership style. He learned to be distant, yet inspiring. To be a good leader, you need to respect your team and manage to adapt to them. Inspire your team, but also learn from them and let your team openly inspire you. Good leaders aren’t born, they learn from their surroundings. At his own label, he has a small team of 10 people. They want to create amazing things with high-quality materials.
One question which remains through this uncertainty is the future of the fashion industry. How will the industry evolve after the pandemic? Are there already shifts visible now? As a strong member of the industry, Bibhu has a clear perception of the changes ahead. Although there have been many crises in mankind and the industry, this one is different. It involves human loss, which changes everyone. Having lost his brother himself due to the pandemic, this has been a reflection period for Bibhu. He used the lockdown to figure out how he wanted to emerge from this crisis. He began with a clean slate, wanting to do certain things differently. To create and source his designs mindfully is important to him. Fashion is not about the fast pace, but the quality and human aspect of the items purchased. It is crucial to connect with your community and stay connected.
Mohapatra has another passion he is pursuing – mentorship. During this new situation, he reflected a lot on the last 12 years in the brand. He holds the tough times close to his heart, wanting to prevent others from making his mistakes. Due to the pandemic, he fears that new generations will have tougher times. They will start in less fortunate situations with fewer possibilities. Through his mentorship programs, he offers his most valuable asset – his time. He aims to help young, aspiring designers and connect with them in such uncertain times.
Bibhu Mohapatra is the Creative Director and Founder of his namesake brand, Bibhu Mohapatra. Being born and raised in India before moving to the US in 1996. After obtaining his master’s degree in economics and attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, he became Design Director at J. Mendel. After nine years, he created his own brand, closely inspired by his heritage. His skills taught by his mother help him sew his collections to this day.
Simone Oliver is the Global Editor-In-Chief of Refinery29. She is responsible for identifying and building impact-minded and insight-driven content and partnership that speaks to the power generation of women and underrepresented voices, the target of Refinery29. Prior to her time at Refinery29, Oliver published strategy and editorial posts with the New York Times for 13 years. She teaches Social Platforms, Processes and Perspectives at Syracuse University’s Newhouse in New York journalism, having graduated from Howard University herself.
Simone is a seasoned digital expert with a rich history of reshaping media brands and advising on growth and innovation strategies. With 20 years of experience, she has held notable leadership positions at companies like BET (Paramount), Refinery29 (VICE), Meta (formerly Facebook and Instagram), Condé Nast’s Allure, and The New York Times. Simone’s expertise lies in multiplatform content strategy, affiliate & experiential revenue, audience development, strategic partnerships, and branded content. She has a keen eye and passion for cultural and tech trends, particularly in fashion and beauty, and is dedicated to supporting BIPOC- and women-owned brands. As a speaker and educator, Simone brings her wealth of knowledge to various platforms, including keynote speaking, panels, event curation, and teaching engagements at institutions like Syracuse University and NYU. She also offers consulting and advisory services in multi-platform content strategy, creative production, and e-commerce.
Simone is a seasoned digital expert with a rich history of reshaping media brands and advising on growth and innovation strategies. With 20 years of experience, she has held notable leadership positions at companies like BET (Paramount), Refinery29 (VICE), Meta (formerly Facebook and Instagram), Condé Nast’s Allure, and The New York Times. Simone’s expertise lies in multiplatform content strategy, affiliate & experiential revenue, audience development, strategic partnerships, and branded content. She has a keen eye and passion for cultural and tech trends, particularly in fashion and beauty, and is dedicated to supporting BIPOC- and women-owned brands. As a speaker and educator, Simone brings her wealth of knowledge to various platforms, including keynote speaking, panels, event curation, and teaching engagements at institutions like Syracuse University and NYU. She also offers consulting and advisory services in multi-platform content strategy, creative production, and e-commerce.
While designer Bibhu Mohapatra moved to the US in 1996, his years growing up on the east coast of India, in Odisha, formed the expanding spirit of everything he sees and creates. His mother Sashikala, instilled in him at an early age a near obsession with handwork and textiles as well as a deep appreciation for making clothes that func tion and symbolize something powerful. “My memories of my mother and her teaching me to sew are always very much a part of my design process,” he says. “and i’m always instilling those early skills, influences and experiences into various aspects of my collections.”
While designer Bibhu Mohapatra moved to the US in 1996, his years growing up on the east coast of India, in Odisha, formed the expanding spirit of everything he sees and creates. His mother Sashikala, instilled in him at an early age a near obsession with handwork and textiles as well as a deep appreciation for making clothes that func tion and symbolize something powerful. “My memories of my mother and her teaching me to sew are always very much a part of my design process,” he says. “and i’m always instilling those early skills, influences and experiences into various aspects of my collections.”
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