8 fashion experts on what working in the fashion industry is really like

As a fashion journalist, I’ve often been captivated by the industry’s outer sheen—the high-energy runways, glossy editorials, and larger-than-life personalities. But what intrigues me even more is what happens behind the scenes: the people, the processes, and the sheer determination that fuel this fast-paced world. Fashion isn’t just about the clothes or the trends; it’s about a relentless pursuit of creativity, innovation, and identity. To uncover the realities of this multifaceted industry, I spoke to seasoned professionals whose journeys offer a raw, unfiltered look at what it truly takes to thrive in fashion.

Malvika Sheth, fashion influencer and digital creator

Malvika Sheth’s rise in the fashion industry is the result of over six years of trial and error, during which she learned the delicate art of balancing her personal vision with audience demands. “My growth has been a slow burn,” she reflects, “but it’s all about finding that sweet spot between what works and what stays true to who I am.” In the fast-paced world of fashion influencing, Sheth’s authenticity has remained her core principle. She ensures that any brand collaboration aligns with her values, highlighting her recent partnership with CaratLane, where she created a jewellery guide for South Asian women. “I’m not working with brands I wouldn’t personally use,” she says firmly.

Despite the rewards, Sheth admits that working in the fashion industry isn’t without its challenges. From dealing with online trolling to managing the pressure of being a visible public figure, she shares, “When a video goes viral, the hate is inevitable, but I try to laugh it off initially. It's the low moments that get to me.” Yet, she emphasises the importance of therapy in managing these emotional hurdles. “I’ve had to do a lot of work to stay grounded, but the love from my community keeps me going.”

As an influencer who’s also stepping into acting, Sheth faces the added challenge of being typecast by her online persona. “Breaking away from the ‘fashion girl’ image has been tough,” she admits, especially when it comes to auditions. Still, she finds joy in the process, saying, “I love creating, whether it's content for my audience or roles in a film. Both allow me to express myself.”

Ultimately, Sheth remains unapologetic about her journey, valuing both the hustle and the self-care that comes with it. “There’s no perfect work-life balance,” she says. “But with my dog by my side, I always find perspective.”

Akshay Tyagi, celebrity stylist

For Akshay Tyagi, the creative process starts with a clear vision and an eye for opportunity. “Outfits are chosen on the basis of new, emerging designers we can support sometimes, or established designers whose support we value,” he explains. Balancing creativity and marketability, he believes, is about offering a fresh perspective: “It’s about showing consumers how to wear something differently, pairing pieces in ways that bridge a dreamlike vision with practical, real-world appeal.”

Reflecting on his journey, Tyagi says his most memorable project will always be his first. “For me, it was a short film I did with Ishaan Nair called Guroor. After that, I worked with Anaita Shroff Adajania on my first feature, Krrish 3.”

When it comes to managing multiple projects, Tyagi doesn’t shy away from emphasising the logistical side of styling. “Sometimes I think the job is actually 89 per cent logistics, 10 per cent technicalities, and 1 per cent actual styling,” he jokes. “Being organised in logistics is what’s most important because, without the physical pieces being in certain places at certain times, you can’t achieve what you want to achieve. Pre-planning is key. I’m always sitting, sort of playing abacus with my time and calendar. And the best thing I’ve ever learned is to write everything down—this is an Anaita secret she shared with me.”

Navigating disagreements with clients or models is another skill he has mastered over the years. “You allow their experience to inform you. Learning is always a two-way street. Sometimes somebody new has an idea to try; sometimes somebody experienced has a trick to share. Disagreements are resolved by finding a respectful middle ground. If there’s disrespect involved, no problem—we don’t have to work together. It’s not the end of the world for anybody.”

As for the hardest part of his job? Tyagi points to the unpredictability of styling. “No matter how much you plan, navigating unexpected surprises is inevitable. It’s about handling them without stress and with grace.”

Mahieka Sharma, fashion model

Mahieka Sharma’s entry into the fashion industry was both bold and determined. At just 17, while studying science and economics, she told her parents she was going to be in front of the camera someday—and she made it happen. “I applied everywhere, participated in pageants, and eventually moved to Bombay,” she shares. Despite having no insider knowledge of the industry, Sharma’s sheer grit and supportive family propelled her forward, helping her overcome the initial challenges of not knowing where to start.

A typical day on set for Sharma is fast-paced and meticulous. “If I’m flying in from another shoot, it’s straight to the set after a quick wash-up or hotel check-in,” she explains. The process involves hair, makeup, and the shoot itself, where the first shot often takes the longest as everyone finds their rhythm. “It’s a long process with many hands at work, from designers to photographers, all coming together to bring a vision to life,” Sharma says.

While the pressure to stay physically fit in the modeling industry is intense, Sharma’s doesn’t feel it from her colleagues, only from herself. “I put the pressure on myself to constantly evolve and challenge myself,” she admits. For her, the key to navigating the competitive world of modeling lies in maintaining a balanced lifestyle: “I don’t drink or smoke, I meditate, work out, and prioritise time with family and friends,” she says.

The most rewarding aspect of her career is the creative process. “I love bringing to life the hard work of everyone who trusts me to embody their creations,” she says.

Akanksha Arora, designer, Tribe Amrapali

For Akanksha Arora, staying ahead of trends is a mix of intuition and research. “We keep an eye on what’s resonating with customers but stay grounded in what defines us,” she says. This approach ensures her collections are always fresh while remaining authentic to the Tribe Amrapali identity.

Her journey into design took a pivotal turn in 2013 with the launch of the brand’s e-store. “It was a moment of realisation that jewellery could be accessible to a global audience in a way that hadn’t been done before,” she recalls. The move online wasn’t just about business; it was a shift in how people experienced jewellery.

Sustainability also plays a significant role in her process. “It’s about creating pieces that last, both in terms of quality and design,” she says. Ethical sourcing and durable designs are at the core of her brand ethos.

Handling the pressures of the fashion business means navigating not only creative challenges but financial ones too. “It’s about strong relationships with manufacturers and managing costs while making sure the final product meets our vision,” Arora explains, highlighting the need for transparency and discipline at every step of the design process.

Praachi Raniwala, independent journalist

Praachi Raniwala structures her day with precision despite the non-traditional nature of her work. “I try to structure my day like a regular working day,” she shares. “I start in the morning and finish my writing in the first half. The second half is for emails, admin work, and calls. If there are interviews to conduct in person, I try to schedule those later in the day. Of course, outside of work, I make time for wellness and workouts.” Raniwala adds that her most productive hours are early in the morning: “Sometimes, when I have a big story due, I’ll be at my desk by 6 a.m.”

For Raniwala, journalism is about staying constantly alert. “You almost have to be switched on all the time because an idea for a feature can come from anywhere,” she explains. “It might be an Instagram reel or a conversation with a friend. It’s important that my pieces reflect the cultural zeitgeist. Fashion isn’t just about clothes or trends; it’s about the mood, the mindset, and ultimately the state of society. It goes beyond clothing to encompass culture, politics, and a state of mind.”

Dispelling the myth of glamour often associated with fashion journalism, she says, “It’s not about sitting front row at shows or attending cocktail parties all the time. Most of my time—and that of most journalists I know—is spent in front of a laptop, ideating, writing, proofreading, and editing. Fashion is serious business and a lot of hard work. You really have to be excited about the craft, the language, and the industry itself.”

On staying ahead of trends, Raniwala highlights the value of observation and reading. “Observation is a crucial skill, but it’s also about connecting the dots and making your own observations. Read beyond Instagram captions. Look at prolific publications to see what’s trending internationally and locally. Be in touch with industry experts to understand where the industry is heading.”

Raniwala’s philosophy is grounded in continuous learning. “Learning is a lifelong journey. There’s always something new happening, a new way of seeing things, and a new generation to cater to and write for.”

Taneesha Mirwani (aka Taneesho), fashion and lifestyle influencer

Taneesha Mirwani, known as Taneesho on social media, never set out to be an influencer. “I was bored during quarantine in 2020, and I just wanted to see fun stuff on my feed, so I decided to make it,” she says, explaining how it all began. For Mirwani, the early days were about finding the right niche. “One of my biggest challenges in growing my audience was figuring out what content clicked. But once I started expanding into different types of content, I found the people who resonated with me.”

Navigating the balance between authenticity and brand partnerships is something Mirwani knows all too well. “It's always a bit of a grey area when working with brands,” she admits. “There’s no correct way to navigate this, except for a lot of back and forth until we finally agree on something. At the end of the day, everyone just wants a successful post.” For her, the most important part is staying true to herself. “If it isn’t something I’ve used before, I can’t tell anyone else to use it. Authenticity is key."

Staying relevant in a fast-paced industry requires a delicate balance. “I just hop on the trends I like the most,” Mirwani says. “Or sometimes, it’s about making the trend your own.”

When it comes to managing the often-blurred lines between personal and professional life on social media, Mirwani keeps certain boundaries in place. “Unfortunately, I don’t have a perfect work-life balance,” she admits. “The only clear boundaries I have are not putting certain hardships, my relationship, or family matters out there. Everything else? It’s all blurred lines.”

Sameer Madan, Fashion Designer 

Sameer Madan believes in challenging the status quo. “If you don’t show the market what exists, they won’t know what to like. I create pieces people don’t usually expect; that’s the USP of my label,” he shares.

The journey from concept to runway is an intense but rewarding one. “In the time constraint and pressure, you end up churning your brains more. Every detail—hair, makeup, finishes, music—everything contributes to the story you’re telling on the runway,” he explains. “At Lakmé Fashion Week, our 'mob wife' aesthetic wasn’t just about the clothes; the faux fur, oversized bags—everything had to make sense together.”

Sustainability is integral to his process. “We try to practice a zero-waste concept in our production. Working with faux leather and fur, we use scraps for belts, bags, and accessories to reduce waste,” he reveals.

His journey was not without challenges. “Bodycon silhouettes were a tough pitch in India years ago, especially with our diverse body types. But I believed in the concept, and now it’s the highlight of the brand,” he shares.

His advice for aspiring designers is simple: “Keep control over your product. I maintain in-house manufacturing because it ensures that everything you see has been under my direct supervision. That’s how you maintain quality and stay true to your vision.”

Abbas Zaveri, founder, HypeFly 

At just 22, Abbas Zaveri has established himself as a key player in the reselling industry. As the co-founder of HypeFly, a platform that caters to all things hyped—from luxury sneakers to Marc Jacobs totes and Stanley mugs—Zaveri has a deep understanding of the evolving reselling market.

HypeFly began with a focus on reselling sought-after sneakers like Jordans and Yeezys. “These shoes were the foundation of the market, but we realised the industry evolves in waves. The hype around products is cyclical, so staying ahead of trends is crucial,” Zaveri explains.

Zaveri emphasises the importance of research and adaptability. “Six months ago, we noticed a surge in demand for New Balance and ONS sneakers. It’s about having access to the right information, doing research, and sometimes taking calculated risks. Predicting trends is part of the game,” he says.

HypeFly’s inventory reflects this dynamic approach. “We have over 3,000 products on the site. It’s important for us that anyone who visits can find something they’re excited about,” he shares.

Zaveri describes the reselling business as a blend of informed decision-making and gut instinct. “The market is unpredictable. Sometimes, you have to gamble on emerging trends, but those risks can pay off when you align with consumer demand,” he explains. Success, he believes, lies in finding the balance between calculated risks and a keen understanding of what the market wants, ensuring every move keeps you ahead of the curve.

Lead image credit: Netflix

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