There are many social challenges for a newborn organization in Kerala, that often reach the caste, religious, political, and cultural levels, especially in the rural areas. These challenges are likely to intensify again if certain occupations or practices are considered to ‘naturally belong’ to the West. Smruthy College of Arts and IT has a story of overcoming such challenges through its vision for a notable achievement.

Simon, who began his career as a journalist, is the founder of Smruthy College of Arts and IT. The college was established in 2010 with the official approval of the Government at Vadanappally, a coastal village in Thrissur district. Having been active in the field of education for 11 long years, the idea that shapely popped into his head was a college that would teach accounting and fashion design as major courses. The college, which has about 10 staff, has been providing free education to Scheduled Caste students since its inception. Fee waivers are also available on reservation for general category students. In addition to fashion designing, Smruthy College of Arts and IT offers beautician courses and eleven PSC-approved computer courses at Smruthy College of IT. Although fashion design courses are taught in many places, some people are not able to turn it into a career or excel in the work related to it because many do not provide practical learning methods. Therefore, Smruthy College is preparing a new syllabus for fashion designing. This will make it easier for each student to understand how the field of fashion designing works in different ways for textiles, boutiques, FASHION and independent units. The aim is to submit this authentic new syllabus to the Government upon completion.

Before the pandemic’s imminent arrival, Smruthy College naturally switched to online classes like everyone else, where there were about 300 students. Smruthy Simon is currently the brand name of each newborn product in its own design. In addition, Smruthy has started an online boutique and modeling company called Smruthy Fashion Style – Modeling & Online Boutique. The idea of fashion designing college received more discouragement than encouragement, as the college was located in a typical coastal village where students with high career goals were dissuaded.

Those who did not know much about the fertile field of modern fashion designing typically began to approach the prevailing notion that designing was just a sewing job. There was a time when local stories spread to the possible extent that merely joining an academic institution that did not teach sewing was useless. Sewing classes had to be given separately in the syllabus. Another major challenge was related to organizing fashion shows. Organizing a very expensive fashion show is part of the project work of the learners. Smruthy College situated in a rural area has been able to organize the show three times in an incomparable way, despite facing strong opposition in the early days from many angles. Organizing models and doing photoshoots is also part of the project. Over some time, Simon and his colleagues proved to the dissuaders that success can be achieved through hardwork and determination.

All the remarkable journeys made so far in this distinct section have been aimed at undoubtedly creating professional models. Smruthy Simon’s thoughts and ideas on clothing materials were unique. Clothes woven with embroidered threads, leaves and newspaper were introduced to the fashion segment. Embroidery works are usually done as an addition to beautify a garment. The difference here is that the clothes are woven solely with embroidery threads. When embroidery is common, there is no competition for the method of making clothes with that yarn. The idea here is that even such products can be made wearable. For example garments made of newspaper at this college did not hinder daily activities. It also took a lot of effort to make the garments made of leaves a reality. Leaves usually wither in a few hours. Several types of leaves were tried and tested as a challenge. Later, the garments were perfected with the leaves of wild plants. It also had the great goal of making clothes that would not harm nature in any using materials from nature. There are many people who have voluntarily entered the modeling arena, wearing Smruthy’s own products. However, Simon points out that someone achieving professional modeling status does not always mean they have a total understanding of the profession. A model can quickly change into a new costume and move on to the next occasion. The photographers too can find alternative modes. However, designs created by a fashion designer can last only until new trends flood the market. The designs of professional designers are often copied and alternative trends are introduced. Simon says that works from Smruthy over the past year has been able to garner great feedback on and off social media.

He added that it is a matter of pride to see the profile of the company growing. More and more customers approach them with keen interest on the unique costumes.

The brand Smruthy Simon is currently on the path of a new venture. They are preparing to make a world record by making different clothing designs using over a hundred recyclable materials. The goal of creating new clothing styles through different and innovative products is going to be completed soon. New designs using different materials differentiate the brand Smruthy Simon from other contemporary designers.