By Rashmi Rekha Das
In a world where economically-disadvantaged women often struggle to make ends meet, this Bhubaneswar-based fashion designer is working tirelessly to empower women through fashion education and help them become micro entrepreneurs.
Growing up, Itishree saw how marginalized women in villages and urban slums struggled to make ends meet due to lack of education and skills. Many were forced to migrate to cities for low-skilled jobs or work as domestic help. With over 25 years of experience as a successful fashion designer, she embarked on a mission to empower underprivileged women, teaching them skills to earn a livelihood and take charge of their lives.
With a mission to create lasting change, Itishree Sahoo has empowered over 2,000 women to become self-reliant so far. Through her initiatives, these women have gained valuable skills in sustainable fashion, enabling them to earn a steady income and break the cycle of poverty. Her work has not only transformed individual lives but also uplifted entire communities, fostering a sense of confidence and independence among women who once struggled to make ends meet.
Ommcom News catches up with Itishree Sahu, a trailblazing Odia woman who’s making waves in the fashion industry . As a fashion educationist, Itishree is on a mission to empower others, providing training under the Skill India initiatives to help budding designers make their mark.
Itishree’s creations have gone global. Her designs were showcased at the G-20 Summit, waving the flag of Odisha high. Pattachitra artwork on Khordha Gamucha, showcased at the G-20 Summit, giving weavers a much-needed boost. That’s not all – her work stole the show at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, with expatriates raving about her unique blend of traditional and modern styles. In short we can say that every piece she creates is a tribute to Odisha’s rich art and culture.
Born to Nilakantheswar Sahu and Netramani Sahu and raised in Bhubaneswar, Itishree developed a passion for fashion and design at a young age. She pursued her diploma in fashion design from Ranchi, a P.G. Diploma in Fashion Technology from J.D. Institute of Fashion Technology, Mumbai, and a P.G. Diploma in Apparel Manufacturing Technology from Utkal University of Culture.
But Itishree’s dream was not just about chasing her own dreams; she always wanted to uplift others too. From a young age, she started empowering underprivileged women by teaching them skills to earn a livelihood and become self-reliant through central government’s entrepreneurship development programmes.
She has taken her training programmes to various corners of Bhubaneswar, empowering women and girls at Srikharchandi, Chandrasekharpur, Nayapalli, Vanivihar, Pallasuni, Khandagiri, Mancheswar, Sundarpada, Bainchua, Nuagaon, and even Jharpada Jail, where she’s working with prisoners’ kids. By sharing her knowledge and skills, Itishree is spreading the magic of fashion and design, transforming lives one stitch at a time.
She is a highly skilled craft and fashion expert with expertise in multiple techniques. She specializes in drafting, pattern making, surface ornamentation, CAD, textile illustration, and quality control. Her embroidery skills include machine techniques like Zardozi, Kashmiri, and lace work, as well as handwork like satin, chikankari, beads, and sequence embroidery. Additionally, Itishree is proficient in various traditional art forms, including Pattachitra, glass painting, ceramic painting, pottery, Tanjore painting, bonsai, and appliqué work.
“For me, women empowerment is all about giving women the freedom to choose their path. It’s about having the independence to pursue their career, make their own decisions, and live life on their terms. When a woman is empowered, she can tap into her strengths, make informed choices, and become a force to reckon with. Empowerment is a journey that boosts her confidence, self-esteem, and ability to contribute to her community”, said Itishree.
She continued: “My goal is to support women in becoming financially independent and successful entrepreneurs. Through training programmes in tailoring, embroidery, and fashion designing, I’m providing sustainable livelihood opportunities. Over 2000 women have benefited from these initiatives since 1997, and I’m committed to continuing this mission.”
Itishree is a fashionista, a tech-savvy innovator, and a champion of women’s empowerment. Amidst it all, she’s always on the lookout for the latest trends and tech to weave into her designs.
And her talent doesn’t stop there. She is turning trash into treasure, crafting beautiful pieces from discarded materials, and showing the industry that eco-friendly can be fabulous too.
Itishree’s exquisite designs have put her in the global spotlight. Specializing in stunning garments, accessories, and jewellery, her creations are sought after worldwide. From Italy to the Philippines, Dubai to Mauritius, Spain, and Brazil, Itishree’s unique blend of traditional and modern styles has captivated fashion enthusiasts across the globe. Her talent and dedication have made her a name to reckon with in the international fashion scene, and she is proud to be sharing a piece of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage with the world.
Itishree’s impressive portfolio is filled with notable achievements and recognitions. She’s been a part of prestigious events like the 18th Indian Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Show (IFJAS) EPCH 2024 in Delhi and served as a resource person for the ‘Future of Inclusion’ Exhibition at the G20 Summit 2023. Her expertise has earned her awards like the Gyan Bhushan Puraskar from the Govt. of Odisha, Women ICON Award 2024, and Honoris causa Award in Fashion Designing from The Thames International University.
Beisdes, her contributions to fashion and education have been recognized nationally and internationally. She’s been empanelled as a designer with the Ministry of Textile, Govt. of India, and received awards like the Outstanding Faculty of the Year 2022 and Humanitarian Excellence Award-2022. Her work has taken her to global platforms, showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
She’s also been honoured with the India Prime Top 100 Women Icon Award by FoxClues, acknowledging her as one of India’s top women icons. Additionally, Itishree has received the Best Indo-Western Dress of the Year (2021) by Khadi Design Council of India, showcasing her talent in fashion design.
