B.F.A. Fashion Design
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The Killer Queen
In fashion design, innovation often stems from personal experiences and cultural roots. Muskan Bhardwaj, an innovative designer from India, embodies this through her creative approach in designing her thesis collection. From relocating to the United States as an international student to creating a collection that intertwines Hindu mythology with chess, Bhardwaj’s narrative is as captivating as her designs.
At the age of 19, Bhardwaj embarked on a transformative journey as an international student to pursue her passion for fashion design at Academy of Art University. Her senior thesis collection weaves together the epic myth of Mahabharat.
The Hindu tale depicts a great war between two families, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, who frequently engaged in competitive chess games, risking everything, including their women. his narrative, rooted in Bhardwaj’s culture, inspired her to create a collection that symbolizes strength, power, and femininity.
Through meticulous craftsmanship and an eye for detail, Bhardwaj’s designs embody the silhouettes of chess pieces, with draping that accentuates all aspects of the female form. The collection strictly sticks to black and white, but each look has different fabrics and textures. Some looks are double-sided, incorporating sequins, mesh, vinyl, and foam.
Bhardwaj wanted the focus to be on the garments’ silhouettes, so all fabrics were sourced from deadstock materials. Each piece in the collection is intended to empower women and make them feel confident and visible.
What sets Bhardwaj’s collection apart is her bold experimentation with innovative techniques and materials. Through her work, she aims to inspire new designers to embrace their heritage proudly and encourage cultural appreciation within the fashion community.
Bhardwaj offers the following advice to aspiring designers: “As an artist, I would say it’s very important to take the step of taking a risk and putting yourself out there. If you don’t try, you will never know the heights of things you can accomplish, so you just have to do it.”
Words by Citlali Rodriguez, B.F.A. Fashion Communication and Styling
