Blending the soul of Indian craftsmanship with the pulse of digital innovation, Mohua Goswami—a next-generation fashion designer—is quietly reshaping the contours of modern fashion. A CFDA Design Scholar and K11 Innovation Award winner, she has dressed everyone from Taylor Swift and Anne Hathaway to Alicia Keys, Scarlett Johansson, Constance Wu, Lily Collins, and Winnie Harlow. Her work has graced major red carpets, from the Oscars to the Met Gala. After shaping collections at couture houses like Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta, Mohua now brings her vision to Centric Brands, where she leads 3D and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven design innovation for collaborative projects with partners such as Kate Spade. Whether she’s showcasing at NYCxDesign or creating immersive digital collections, Mohua is pushing boundaries—fusing sustainability, technology, and heritage into a singular creative language. In this conversation, the New York-based designer talks about redefining fashion beyond fabric, the rise of India in the global digital landscape, and why the next runway might just be virtual.
Q1: From growing up in India to becoming a digital fashion innovator in New York, tell us about your evolution as a designer.
I grew up in India, where art, storytelling, and craftsmanship are deeply woven into everyday life. That early exposure instilled in me a respect for intricate work and cultural expression. Moving to New York allowed me to sharpen my technical skills while embracing innovation, and my journey has been a continuous thread between the two worlds. I’ve had the honor of designing for celebrities like Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, and Scarlett Johansson, and my work now blends rich Indian artistry with cutting-edge technology, pushing fashion into exciting, sustainable territories.
Q2: You have worked with cutting-edge 3D design tools like CLO3D, Browzwear, and Blender. How do these technologies revolutionize the fashion industry?
These tools have transformed fashion from a tactile-only art form into a limitless creative universe. With CLO3D and Browzwear, I can build and refine garments without cutting a single piece of fabric—eliminating waste, speeding up production, and experimenting more freely. Blender lets me create intricate virtual worlds where my designs live and breathe. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about opening up a new dimension of imagination, storytelling, and accessibility that wasn’t possible before.
Q3: Sustainability is a major challenge in fashion today. Can digital fashion truly address the environmental impact of the industry?
Absolutely. Sustainability is personal for me, both as a designer and as someone deeply connected to India’s philosophies of resourcefulness. By embracing digital design, I’ve reduced the need for excessive sampling and minimized waste at companies like Centric Brands. Creating garments virtually before their physical realization and manufacturing ensures mindful production. Digital fashion isn’t just an alternative; it’s a vital solution to protect our planet and rethink consumer culture.
Q4: Your collections often blend Indian heritage with futuristic digital design. What inspires this fusion?
My roots are my greatest inspiration. India is a masterclass in color, texture, and storytelling. My original interests were piqued by handloom weaves and temple jewelry. At the same time, I’ve always been fascinated by the future, by science fiction, and by creators like Satyajit Ray, who imagined worlds far ahead of their time. My work is where those two passions meet. By using technology to reinterpret traditional Indian aesthetics, I create a bridge between ancient wisdom and the dreams of tomorrow.
Q5: What were the key takeaways from winning the CFDA Design Scholar K11 Innovation Award? How did that recognition impact your career?
Winning the CFDA K11 Innovation Award was a defining moment. It validated my belief that fashion must evolve, blending culture, sustainability, and technology. It opened new doors—I was able to showcase my award-winning collection at NYCxDesign Festival, design seasonal collections for Kate Spade that have been showcased at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and position myself as a technology lead within Centric Brands. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to stay authentic to my unique voice.
Q6: Having worked at Kate Spade, how different is designing for a global retail giant compared to working in couture fashion with Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta?
At Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa, I was privileged to design unforgettable red-carpet moments—dressing icons like Taylor Swift for the Cats premiere, Scarlett Johansson for the Oscars, and Constance Wu for the Met Gala. Every piece was about fantasy, craft, and one-of-a-kind artistry. At Kate Spade, the magic lies in translating that creativity into joyful, accessible pieces for everyday life. Designing for a global brand means thinking about scalability, wearability, and connecting with a much wider audience—all while keeping the spirit of the brand vibrant.
Q7: Fashion weeks, including NYFW, are inceasingly incorporating digital elements. Do you see a future where digital fashion takes over runway presentations?
I definitely see a hybrid future. Traditional runway shows have an undeniable magic, but digital presentations offer limitless creativity—garments that can defy gravity, shows that happen in augmented virtual reality worlds, audiences that join from anywhere on the planet. I’ve seen firsthand at Kate Spade’s Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 NYFW shows how integrating digital sampling sped up innovation behind the scenes. I think more brands will use digital fashion not to replace, but to amplify the experience.
Q8: What roles do NFTs and the metaverse play in digital fashion? Are we seeing the rise of a new fashion economy?
NFTs and the metaverse are unlocking a completely new economy where fashion is no longer bound by physical limitations. Imagine owning a couture gown designed for your digital avatar—just as exclusive and coveted as a real-world piece. I’ve worked on “phygital” concepts that blend physical and digital experiences, and I believe this hybrid reality will become mainstream. Virtual fashion offers designers a chance to reach global audiences instantly—and it empowers consumers to express their identities in both worlds.
Q9: What do you think India’s role is in the global digital fashion revolution? Are Indian designers adapting quickly to this shift?
India’s role is pivotal. We have a rich legacy of craftsmanship and storytelling, combined with a booming tech industry. That’s an unbeatable combination. More Indian designers are embracing digital tools, but what will set us apart is how we bring our unique cultural narratives into the virtual world. Digital jacquards inspired by Banarasi weaves, augmented reality (AR) experiences based on Madhubani art—the possibilities are endless. I’m proud to be part of a generation that’s positioning India not just as a participant, but as a leader in the digital fashion revolution.
Q10: Where do you see yourself and your brand five years from now? Will there be a physical fashion line in the future?
In five years, I see myself building a brand that lives comfortably between the digital and physical worlds. I absolutely envision launching a physical line—one rooted in slow, sustainable fashion, heavily inspired by Indian craftsmanship. But digital will always be a core pillar. I dream of offering collections that can exist both as luxury garments and as immersive digital experiences, maybe even dressing avatars in the metaverse! Ultimately, my goal is to create work that celebrates where we come from—and where we’re going—with beauty, innovation, and purpose.
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