That’s probably why some hasty upstarts, with a good amount of parental backing, are eager to start their own boutiques or labels just as soon as they get their degree in hand. While others continue with further training or look for established designers to assist, there is an increasing number of bold and moneyed youth who enjoy taking risks.

Natasha Hariani is one such. The 25-year-old did a one-year diploma course in jewellery and fashion from IITC, Ghatkopar, and almost immediately started her own boutique Enrich Yourself at Pali Road in Bandra. “I got through the NIFT course but I was advised to have practical training, hence the boutique. I have learnt how to handle craftsmen, deal with clients and customise unique saris that can be draped as ghagras and lehengas. These entrepreneurial skills are all on-the-job learning. With my mother and brother assisting me in exports, I plan to open another store shortly.”

Launching labels is another sought-after fad these days amongst the students. Divyanka Bedi, a student of Raffles Institute of Design, Bandra, who likes drafting and pattern-making, has registered her label Gigi B recently. However she isn’t yet into mass retailing. “I started the label so that I have an idea of what the market wants. Right now, my clients are my friends but I’d love to work under Manish Arora or Rohit Bal,” she says.

Twenty-year-old Siobhan D’Silva’s label SiD was recognised at a photo-shoot by Goan photographer Jude D’Silva and that has taken her places—her garments were bought by Italian and Russian women at a boutique at Baga in Goa. Enterprising Siobhan, who plans to get into mass retailing of her label after her graduation, says, “I kept the customer’s needs and requirements in mind before launching my own label.”

Industry experts have a word of caution for this ambitious stock. Nachiket Barve, an alumnus of National Institute of Design and a fashion designer who has been getting good reviews lately, says, “Apart from just designing, there is a lot of administration and tailoring, storage, exporting of garments involved,” he explains. “One must do the groundwork well, one needs to speak to management professionals too. Avoid starting a partnership until and unless you gel well with the person.”