If you have eyes for style and the real passion to step into the exciting fashion industry, be inspired by how a local girl made her way in the fashion world.


Chitra Mangma (Cherry) has received huge recognition in Melbourne, Australia, as a designer and owner of Chitra’s Closet boutique. A conversation with her revealed an inspiring determination.

In the Beginning
Realising that her passion for fashion is something more than simply shopping and dressing well, Cherry decided to leave her advertising job and chase her dream to Melbourne, the city of Arts, where she graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design from Melbourne School of Fashion. Initially, Cherry undertook a Fashion Merchandising course that embraced fashion design, pattern making, and fashion business as she aspired to be a fashion consultant. However, Cherry’s creativity continually shone as she was always recognised for her unique designs. Her way of “seeing things differently” like shopping for vintage curtains from which to make dresses for fashion shows gained her a creative edge and recognition and set her on the road of fashion design.


Stepping up
While studying, Cherry looked for all opportunities to promote her talent such as wearing her own creations. This innovative approach led to her receiving orders from modern shops and being asked to work as an intern at “Alannah Hill” boutique. After graduation, Cherry opened her own boutique and had her first official fashion show which was over-subscribed. Unsurprisingly, she became a well known designer in Melbourne’s Fashion society and the media.

Working nowadays
Chitra’s Closet has been operating successfully for five years. Cherry spoke highly of the course she studied which included having the opportunity to meet regularly with industry experts. “Being a designer, you should have a broad range of expertise and be able to deal with industry experts ranging from pattern makers, to business establishment and marketing experts. My course provided me with opportunities across these, and more, areas”, she said.

Good advices
Cherry’s suggestion to those who wish to be a fashion designer is to “ask yourself if you just love shopping or you really want to make clothes. Once you are certain then take action, never give up and make your dream a reality”. 

There are several high quality and well known fashion design institutes in Australia including The Western Australian Institute of Fashion and Textiles at Swan Technical and Further Education (Swan TAFE) which integrates work experience programmes into the curriculum, ensuring that students are ‘work ready’. Programs offered range from Certificate to Diploma level in Applied Fashion Design and Technology. RMIT University’s School of Fashion and Textiles is famous for its programs which incorporate all stages of the supply chain, including fibre production, textile technology, textile and fashion design, garment production, merchandising, dry cleaning, marketing and retailing. Programs offered range from certificate and diploma through to undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Take the stairway to your future now!