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Post-Grad Portraits: Mariyam Khatri

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Written byPost-Grad Community
Published date 15 May 2024

A series of interviews with alumni from across UAL, Post-Grad Portraits is a chance to highlight the achievements of postgrads from the last decade. Post-Grad Portraits is part of our celebration of Post-Grad Community's 10 year anniversary.

Mariyam Khatri

MA Fashion Futures, London College of Fashion (2020)

Hi Mariyam! Could you tell us a little about yourself and your time at UAL?

Hi, my name is Mariyam Khatri. I am a graduate of the MA Fashion Futures at London College of Fashion, the 2020 batch and I am from New Delhi, India.

Tell us about what you do now.

I identify as a fashion thinker with relevance to how fashion is perceived today. My idea of work comes from a deeper place of creating positive change. It comes from a place of transforming the world through design.

I am currently the CEO and Creative Director of BANANA Labs, an Indian artisanal brand rooted in handicrafts where we envision democratising Indian crafts. I love my work and feel privileged to do something I enjoy. The impact I create through my work is an achievement for me. I think I have found my passion at an intersection point between fashion, art and crafts.

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What's your proudest moment?

My pride doesn’t come from accolades or awards but from creating an impact by changing lives. I pride myself in being able to give women jobs and financial
independence - who now hold 95% of management positions at BANANA labs.

I’ve helped build an organisation with talented women who would conventionally find it hard to work in the positions they now do in India.

Last year, BANANA Labs won the Alumni Sustainability Innovator Award 2023 from The Guardians of the Green, by SIA is a organisation based in india.

Indian Institute of Crafts and Design for groundbreaking work in block printing.

Wonderland Magazine in the UK recognized me as the future of fashion when I was shortlisted for the prestigious Mayor’s Entrepreneur Programme. Highlighting my mission to put India on the global design map.

What is your biggest strength?

My family is my biggest source of support system and strength. They have stood by me through thick and thin.

What's your biggest weakness?

Here again, my family! I cannot imagine life without them.

What's the most significant learning experience you've had?

Honestly, I’ve always been design inclined. But recently, I completed a business course at one of the most prestigious Indian Business Institutes, IIMB. It helped me apply the foundations of running a profitable business at Banana Labs.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see BANANA labs as a global brand creating impact In India and
beyond. In my personal life, I hope to have a nice, cosy home with nature around, lots of rescue animals and a life full of love and fulfilment.

10 years later, I still want to be inspired and inspiring.

woman in yellow dress in front of artwork

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

I am quite active and approachable in general. If you see me around, come say Hi. I would love to chat.

You can find me on LinkedIn and on Instagram @mariyamkhatri
You can find out more about brand Banana Lab at www.bananalabs.in and Instagram @bananalabs