KOCHI: For a 12-year-old, Apeksha Binoj from Thrissur has surely achieved much more than most fashion designers in a short span of time. The budding designer, who showcased her creations at the Indian Fashion League which was held in Kochi recently, has a collection of more than 150 unique designs to her credit.
With four records to her name, Apeksha has earned the title of ‘The youngest fashion designer’. She also owns a fashion brand APEK. “We recognised her love for fashion designing when she crafted her own birthday dress at the age of seven,” said Prasina, Apeksha’s mother. Apeksha’s father Binoj and mother Prasina work in Dubai. Apeksha made her debut as a fashion designer at Sapthamuki Fashion Show in 2016. The show acted as a stepping stone to the world of fashion. She took part in the Kerala Fashion League and International Fashion Week.
According to her mother Prasina, Apeksha sketches the designs, selects fabric and explains the idea to the dressmaker all by herself. “She even explains the intricacies of the embroidery work,” said Prasina.
Apeksha has also participated in Runway Dubai and was the youngest and only Indian designer in the show. The Indian Fashion League which took place in Kochi was her fifth show.
Inspired by ‘India’s Fabric Tour’ ,she designed 15 ready-to-wear costumes using kasavu, kancheevaram, kalamkari and a variety of fabrics from different states.
The designs created by the young prodigy are exclusive and of high standards. “She loves to design evening wear because of the detailing and grandeur involved in it,” said her mother.
Apeksha, who has already cleared the first level graduation examination from Mirna Elhage Fashion Institute in Dubai, completed the basic and advanced traininga in fashion designing at the Dubai International Arts Center. She is currently learning the techniques of drafting at the center.
But designing doesn’t take up her entire time. She indulges in her passion only on the weekends, rest of the days are dedicated for studies. “Her teachers are very supportive and help out when she has a busy schedule,” said her mother.
The young designer has big dreams and wants to pursue a Masters in Fashion Designing in France. Well, that’s definitely a long way to go. “We are very proud of her,” said her mother.