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Monika

"Everything about India is so colorful – be it festivals, ceremonies, weddings – and any celebration is full of colors. These are very much reflected in apparel designs, as well. I'm Monika Gaur and I was born and brought up in Delhi. India's colors and richness always fascinated me. My father was into producing TV soaps and, while I was still in high school, I was given the chance to assist the costume designers. It was so exciting! I saw my dream of becoming a fashion designer coming true.

"While I was doing my graduate courses, I also took a three-year designing course from the International Institute of Fashion Technology, and then took a one-year course in apparel merchandising. After that, I was invited to teach in the same Institute. This was such a great thing for me. I taught there for two years and then went on to teach in different fashion schools.

"I got married while I was still working. My husband encouraged me to open my own designing workshop and I did so in 2008. Before this, I worked mainly from home and designed for family and friends. It took me three months to finish my first collection. I was so proud of my creations and they were well received.

"I love working with light and pastel base fabrics and embellishing them with richly colored embroidery. Also I love working with block prints, tie-dye and other traditional Indian art forms.

"I am so glad to be a part of Novica. Since I began designing, people would buy my designs to sell under their own names. But with Novica, I can sell my own creations around the world with my own name. This is so special, something I've been wanting to do."