In the heart of Tribeca, Bibhu Mohapatra’s atelier is a place where colors, textures, and memories blend to create sartorial poetry. The acclaimed Indian-born, New York-based designer, known for dressing luminaries like Michelle Obama and Priyanka Chopra, draws from a deep well of personal experiences, particularly his childhood memories of Diwali, the luminous Festival of Lights.
For Mohapatra, Diwali evokes vivid images of glowing diyas, the crackle of fireworks, and familial bonds – a tapestry of moments that fuel his creativity. This year, when The Glenlivet approached him to craft a bespoke dress for model and entrepreneur Pritika Swarup for the Diwali Gala at The Mandarin Oriental, Mohapatra dipped into this reservoir of nostalgia.
Mohapatra’s design journey began with a reflection on the effervescent spirit of Diwali. He reminisced about his father taking him to pick firecrackers and watching the sky erupt in a kaleidoscope of colors. This memory translated into the gown’s design – a symbol of joyous moments shared with loved ones.
The result is a breathtaking gown that mirrors the night sky’s mystery and allure. The piece features a luxurious black velvet bodice – representing the dusk’s onset – and a black silk skirt that cascades into a dramatic train, reminiscent of the dark night. Adorning the bodice are over 500 crystals, 6,000 cup sequins, and more than 1,000 Japanese bugle beads, each meticulously hand-embroidered, capturing the sparkle of fireworks against the velvety night.
In conceptualizing the gown, Mohapatra sought to intertwine the essence of Diwali, Swarup’s dynamic persona, and The Glenlivet’s rich legacy. He admired Swarup’s role as a modern, influential woman shaping the world with her conscious beauty brand, Prakti Beauty. Similarly, The Glenlivet’s history of bringing people together resonated with him. This convergence of tradition and modernity is a hallmark of Mohapatra’s design ethos – creating pieces that are both contemporary and timeless.
The creation process spanned two months, beginning with sketches and transitioning into intricate craftsmanship. Artisans in India, guardians of their craft through generations, dedicated over four weeks to the gown’s embroidery. The final assembly took place in New York, where expert seamstresses in Mohapatra’s atelier meticulously stitched the pieces, bringing the vision to life.
Mohapatra’s approach to design transcends literal interpretations. His creations are a fusion of extensive research, personal stories, and professional experiences, giving couture a modern voice that respects heritage while embracing innovation. Yet, he maintains that true style emanates from within. “Clothes can be empowering,” he says. “When someone wears one of my designs, I always ask how they feel. Confidence is the ultimate accessory.”
This Diwali, as the fireworks lit up the sky, so did Mohapatra’s creation – a testament to the power of memories in shaping beauty and elegance.
