While most Parsons sophomores were learning the basics of pattern-making and honing their sketching skills, 19-year-old Rohitava Banerjee was getting ready for Fashion Week — designing a romantic, brooding collection inspired by the economic collapse, Greece and the Underworld.
“I just didn’t feel like I could wait till senior year,” says the Indian-born, San Bernardino, Calif.-raised wunderkind, referring to the time when most fashion schools ask their students to design a full collection. “I felt like, with everything going on in the world, I had something to say right now.”
So Banerjee took matters into his own hands and, over the course of several months, scoured the Garment District for deals on bulk fabric. And when he had trouble finding a place to produce them, he decided to open his own workshop in India.
Although his runway debut had a few bumps — late models, last-minute clothing arrivals — Banerjee was unfazed. “We got all the looks out onto the runway,” he shrugs, “and next season it’s going to be much, much better.”
As for what gave him the confidence to launch his own line at such a young age, Banerjee mentions a fellow Parsons grad who is now a world-famous designer.
“Alexander Wang showed when he was 19 — that was great inspiration for me, to be honest,” he says. “It really does tell you that age really isn’t a factor when it comes to design or creation.”
Including, he adds, his little sister, who designed the shoes and did the styling for Banerjee’s debut.
“She’s 17 years old and in high school, and she’s going to be attending Parsons next year,” says the proud older brother.
“We’re going to be working together, I’m sure, for many, many more years.”