Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney

Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney is an Indian fashion designer from Goa who believes in Fashion with a conscience. It was her childhood dream to be a fashion designer and it is her passion, hard work and determination which have made her label "Ninoshka" a reality.

Ninoshka started her career as a Merchandiser cum Designer at an export house in Mumbai where she coined and developed samples for some of the top international brands such as Nordstrom, J C Penny, Next, Rare Vintage, Charms and Lane Bryant among others. In 2009, she joined Mélange, an esteemed fashion house located in the plush area of Mumbai, as the in-house designer which gave her a unique opportunity to experiment and hone her personal minimalistic style. However, being a versatile designer that she is, she also delivered garments that would suit the client needs. At Mélange, she has catered to some of the top personalities in India such as Nirja Birla, Shabana Azmi, Shilpa Shetty, Sonali Bendre and many more.

Ninoshka holds a strong academic background in Fashion Design and Management. She topped her home state in Commercial Garment Designing and Making at the Higher Secondary level. She received the ‘Best Student of the Year' award for the same. A graduate of the School of Fashion Technology (SOFT), Pune, she specialized in Fashion Apparel Design, Textile and Clothing. Having an urge to expand her knowledge and expertise in the fashion world, Ninoshka also earned her Master’s degree in Fashion Management at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

In 2011, she was empanelled as a Designer in the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. She has collaborated with NGOs such as Kala Raksha (Kutch), Sadhna (Jaipur) and All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA, Delhi). She has been a visiting lecturer at the Goa Government Polytechnic, Garment Technology department.

Ninoshka has always wished that her profession would act as a means for her to give back to nature and society in her own little way. Hence, after relocating to Goa, she launched her label Ninoshka which focuses on sustainable fashion.

Ninoshka finds her inspiration in her collaboration with artisans. They lead simple lives, yet have minds of creative geniuses. She finds their childlike enthusiasm and positivity humbling and uplifting. Her penchant for minimalism urges her to create silhouettes which cater to all age groups, and have an international appeal despite its Indian identity.

Awards

2016

• India Handloom brand — Best Design: Indo-Western Men.


2017

• Beryl Nasse Award — Women Entrepreneur.

• Voted among the top 10 in the Materials and Environment category for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship International competition held in Shenzhen China, and among the top 2 startups in India.


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