(February 22, 2025) The Pierre Hotel’s grand ballroom buzzed with excitement as two of India’s biggest design names—Bibhu Mohapatra and Tanishq — came together for a historic moment at New York Fashion Week 2025. Tanishq, India’s premier jewelry brand, made its much-anticipated NYFW debut, collaborating with Mohapatra to showcase the best of Indian craftsmanship. As the first model stepped onto the runway, The Pilgrimage collection unfolded with flowing fabrics and precise tailoring, while Tanishq’s gold and polki jewelry sparkled under the runway lights. More than just a fashion show, this was a tribute to India’s heritage and its growing influence in global fashion.
For Bibhu, this was more than just a fashion moment. Calling the partnership, a personal milestone, he said, “I am incredibly excited for this homecoming moment. My namesake brand is joining hands with one of the most respected and heritage-rich fine jewelry houses from my birth land, India.”
Bibhu Mohapatra
“Growing up, Tanishq was a beacon of craftsmanship and trust for my family, making this collaboration deeply personal. It is an extraordinary honour to unveil my Fall 2025 collection at NYFW—an experience that feels like coming full circle with the creative forces that are so profoundly rooted in my Indian heritage,” the Global Indian added.
Bibhu returned to the fashion show with a collection that was nothing less than a love letter to the Indian heritage.
“It’s so important for all of us to understand where we come from and really say it loud and clear—more than ever—that we have a heritage. And that we are unique. That’s what we celebrate. More than ever.”– Bibhu Mohapatra
This milestone was just another chapter in the remarkable story of a boy from Odisha who, with a needle and thread, stitched his way to the highest echelons of fashion.
A Childhood Stitched with Dreams
Born in Rourkela, Odisha, Mohapatra spent his childhood in a world far removed from high fashion. His days were filled with simple joys — climbing trees, playing gilli-danda, and watching his mother sew. It was her love for textiles and craftsmanship that first captured his imagination.
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At the age of 12, his fascination turned into practice as he cut and stitched old saris and tablecloths to make dresses for his sister. “She never discouraged me, but would kindly ask, ‘Is it okay if I wear these at home?’” he laughed. When she wore one of his designs in public and received admiration, he knew this was his calling.
Despite the disapproval he faced for choosing sewing, Mohapatra’s parents always supported him. With limited opportunities in India for formal fashion education at the time, he pursued economics at Municipal College in Rourkela, all the while holding on to his dream.
New York and the American Dream
With encouragement from his brother, who was studying in the US, Mohapatra applied for a master’s program at Utah State University. A partial scholarship took him across the world in 1996. His talent spoke for itself when a professor, after seeing his sketches, encouraged him to take live drawing classes. That was the moment he realized — fashion wasn’t just a passion, it was his calling.
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After completing his degree, he set his sights on New York, enrolling at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The city was fast-paced, expensive, and demanding, but Bibhu was relentless. He walked the streets of Manhattan, dropping his resume at top fashion houses, hoping for a break.
That break came when Halston, the legendary fashion house, offered him an internship. Here, he immersed himself in every detail — embroidery layouts, fittings, construction. This experience led to a decade-long role as Design Director at J Mendel, where he expanded his team to 20 and built relationships with some of the most influential women in America, further cementing his place in the industry.
A Label of His Own
In 2009, Mohapatra took a bold step and launched his own label. Before unveiling his debut collection, he traveled across Europe, drawing inspiration from British-Irish artist Daphne Guinness, whose unconventional yet elegant style shaped his early designs.
His work quickly gained attention, gracing red carpets and magazine covers alike. Hollywood and Bollywood’s elite — Gwyneth Paltrow, Glenn Close, Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, and Lupita Nyong’o—became some of his most ardent admirers. But his defining moment came in 2013 when Michelle Obama wore a radiant yellow dress from his resort collection on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. When she arrived in India wearing a Bibhu Mohapatra floral crepe dress, his name was cemented in global fashion.
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Rooted in Indian Craftsmanship
Mohapatra’s designs are deeply intertwined with India’s textile traditions—ikat, pipli, and handwoven silks from his home state of Odisha. “As a child, I was mesmerized by colours. My mother’s jewelry, her saris, the ikat and pipli work—it all stayed with me,” he reflected. “I feel that my heritage gives me an edge in making my designs modern yet deeply rooted.”
Through the years, he has worked closely with Indian artisans, ensuring that traditional crafts are not only preserved but given new relevance. One of his standout initiatives was the Make in Odisha Conclave, where he challenged weavers to experiment with new patterns and blends, creating a bridge between tradition and modern luxury.
His collaboration with Indian artisans extends beyond clothing. During his Fall 2025 showcase at NYFW, Mohapatra partnered with Tanishq to integrate traditional Indian jewelry into high fashion. The collection featured over 40 handcrafted jewelry pieces in gold, diamonds, and polki work, demonstrating the depth of Indian craftsmanship.
Tanishq’s Global Expansion and Commitment to Craftsmanship
Tanishq’s participation in NYFW marks a significant milestone in the brand’s global presence, as it continues to showcase India’s craftsmanship on the world stage. The brand launched its first US store in New Jersey in 2023, and has since expanded to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Washington, and Atlanta, making Indian luxury jewelry more accessible to global audiences.
New York Fashion Week 2025
Amrit Pal Singh, Business Head of Tanishq USA, spoke about the collaboration with Mohapatra, saying, “Tanishq USA is thrilled about this partnership with Bibhu Mohapatra, which was born from the natural synergy between the inspiration behind our creations and the essence of Bibhu’s work.”
“Both celebrate a modern interpretation of India’s rich, eclectic nuances, bringing them to global audiences. Our designs are crafted to complement the bold statements at the heart of his collection, enhancing its core elements with elegance and sophistication,” Singh added.
A Collaboration That Redefines Indian Craftsmanship on the Global Stage
The partnership between Bibhu Mohapatra and Tanishq is more than a collaboration—it is a powerful statement about the global reach of Indian craftsmanship. By bringing together centuries-old textile and jewelry traditions with contemporary design, they are setting a precedent for how heritage can thrive in modern fashion.
Mohapatra’s designs, deeply rooted in the artisanal techniques of Odisha, and Tanishq’s unparalleled expertise in jewelry making are a reflection of India’s rich and diverse legacy. Their presence at New York Fashion Week was not just about aesthetics—it was about rewriting the narrative of Indian craftsmanship on an international platform. It signified the growing demand and appreciation for India’s artistry beyond its borders, positioning it as an essential part of the global luxury market.
As more designers and brands embrace their heritage while innovating for the future, this collaboration stands as an inspiring example of what is possible when tradition and modernity seamlessly merge.
Read a similar story of Sabyasachi, the designer who brought Indian heritage to the world.
