From Dressing Global Icons to Redefining Fashion: Mohua Goswami’s Trailblazing Career

Discover Mohua Goswami’s transformative journey from vibrant Indian textiles to NYC’s digital fashion frontier.

Read this interview to know how she blends age-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge design to create iconic looks for global stars.

1. Your journey from India to New York is inspiring. How did your Indian heritage influence your design sensibilities?

Growing up in India, I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of colors, textures, and handcrafted textiles- that was also partly because I would spend hours as a child rummaging through my mother’s and grandmother’s wardrobes. The drape of sarees and the richness of textiles fascinated me, sparking my passion for fashion.

From Banarasi silk weaves to Nakshi Kantha embroidery, Indian craftsmanship has always been at the heart of my designs. I focus on exploring folk textile arts, many of which are on the verge of extinction, and work directly with artisans to preserve their craft. Sustainability is another key aspect of my design approach, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian approaches to mindful creation. By blending these traditions with digital fashion, I aim to bridge heritage with innovation, ensuring that cultural storytelling remains relevant in the modern digital era.

2. Digital fashion is still a relatively new concept for many. Can you break it down for our readers-what exactly is digital fashion, and how does it differ from traditional fashion?

Digital fashion refers to garments designed and rendered entirely in a virtual environment, using software like CLO3D, Browzwear, and Blender. Unlike traditional fashion, which requires physical materials, manufacturing, and distribution, digital fashion exists in the metaverse, online spheres and augmented reality. For example, in the design work that I do for Kate Spade, I use digital fashion softwares to create hyper realistic 3D models of our core accessories, and I update them every season with new colors, prints. You can adjust the fit, play with materials and construct it exactly like you would a real product. This allows designers to explore freely without material constraints, reduces waste, and enables consumers to engage with fashion in innovative ways-whether through virtual try-ons or digital wardrobe collections.

3. What are some misconceptions people have about digital fashion? Do you think it will ever fully replace traditional fashion?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that digital fashion only exists in the metaverse and in the gaming industry. In reality, digital fashion is already rapidly shaping the industry, from brands launching virtual fashion runway shows to digital product sampling, which reduces waste and production costs. While digital fashion offers incredible advantages, I don’t think it will fully replace traditional fashion designing methods as fashion has and always will be a very tactile industry. In my role as designer for Kate Spade, digital fashion complements traditional fashion methods offering more sustainable and creative avenues for both designers and consumers.

4. You have worked with some of the most prestigious fashion houses, including Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, and now Kate Spade. What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

There have been many defining moments, with the most memorable ones being dressing some of my favorite global icons like Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johannson, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, Alicia Keys to name a few. It has been surreal to see my fashion design work on the red carpet, knowing that my designs contributed to such significant cultural moments. Additionally, winning the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) K11 Design Innovation Award and representing Indian fashion at the NYCxDesign Festival were major milestones that reinforced my vision for blending heritage with innovation. It has also been fulfilling to design collections for a heritage brand such as Kate Spade and launching collections at every NYFW (New York Fashion Week)

5. You’ve designed for A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift, Anne Hathaway, and Alicia Keys. How does it feel to see your creations on such global icons?

It’s an indescribable feeling! One of my most memorable experiences was designing two custom looks for Scarlett Johannson – a pewter gown with a fringe bodice paired with a satin skirt and a liquid lame encrusted gown -during my time at Oscar de la Renta which she wore to the Academy Awards & Vanity Fair Oscar party. Each red-carpet moment is a testament to years of hard work and dedication. I remember running around New York’s garment district finding the right material for a stunning fil coupe gown that we were designing for Taylor Swift to wear at the "Cats Movie" premiere in New York. Another moment that comes to mind was designing a custom dove-gray sheer gown with trompe l’oeil pearls and crystals during my time at Marchesa for actress Constance Wu that she wore to the Met Gala, one of the most prestigious global fashion events.  Since fashion is a powerful medium of expression, being part of a celebrity’s iconic moment is truly rewarding.

6. Sustainability is a hot topic in fashion. How does digital fashion contribute to a more eco-friendly and responsible industry?

Digital fashion eliminates fabric waste, reduces carbon footprints, and minimizes the environmental impact of traditional garment production. With virtual sampling and 3D prototyping, designers avoid excessive material use, redcing on overproduction and pollution. By integrating sustainability into my digital collections, I aim to challenge the norms of fashion consumption and encourage a shift toward a more environmentally conscious fashion industry.

7. How do you merge Indian textile traditions and motifs into your futuristic digital designs?

I incorporate traditional Indian elements-like intricate embroidery patterns, traditional Indian motifs, and handloom-inspired textures-into my digital creations. By reimagining heritage weaves and craftsmanship in a virtual space, I ensure that these cultural legacies remain relevant in the digital age. My goal is to blend old-world artistry with modern cutting-edge technology, creating a fusion that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

8. The NYCxDesign Festival is a global platform-what was it like representing Indian fashion there?

Representing Indian fashion at the NYCxDesign Festival was an honor. It was a chance to showcase how India’s rich textile legacy can merge seamlessly with digital innovation. The festival allowed me to exhibit India’s contributions in shaping the future of fashion while bringing a fresh perspective to a global audience. It was incredibly rewarding to see how well Indian design philosophies resonate on an international stage.

9. What advice would you give young Indian designers looking to make a mark in international fashion?

Stay authentic to your roots while embracing new technology. The world is looking for unique perspectives, and Indian craftsmanship has so much to offer. Be open to innovation, invest in learning the cutting-edge technology in fashion, and never be afraid to push boundaries. Most importantly, perseverance is key – carving your identity in the global world of fashion requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.

10. Lastly, if you had to describe Mohua Goswami, the designer, in three words-what would they be?

Visionary. Innovative. Cultural.

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