Designer Bibhu Mohapatra uses sumptuous Indian fabrics, vibrant colors, and is inspired by the crafts. After receiving a bachelors degree from Sambalpur University in India, Bibhu moved to the United States and earned a masters in economics from Utah State University. Bibhu’s love for fashion design never wavered during his studies so he moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1996. He graduated on year later, having received the prestigious Critic’s Award for Best Evening Wear Designer of the Year. In 1998, while at F.I.T., Bibhu was offered a position as an assistant designer at Halston, one of the most original and best known American fashion labels. There, he was hired by Giles Mendel, CEO of the iconic French furrier J. Mendel, sought to repackage his label into a more youthful brand and expand into ready-to-wear so he transformed J. Mendel into one of the most sought-after luxury fashion labels. The brand appeared regularly in the press and on the red carpet with Angleina Jolie, Cate Blanchet, Sienna Miller and other style icons wearing Bibhu’s creations. In Spring 2008 Bibhu resigned in order to establish his own label. Since then, he has continued to create custom couture evening gowns, cocktail dresses and furs for a select group of private client in New York, Europe and India. After ten years working as top designer for other luxury fashion houses, Bibhu Mohapatra has now completed his second ready-to-wear collection under his namesake label, fulfilling a life long dream.