Bibhu Mohapatra, a small-town boy who designs for America’s most iconic

How a small-town boy from Rourkela stitched his way into the wardrobes and hearts of some of the most famous women in America. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Bibhu Mohapatra.

A small-town boy from Rourkela stitched his way into the wardrobes and hearts of some of the most famous women in America. This is the story of Bibhu Mohapatra.

He may have dressed some of the most influential women in America, but, at heart, Bibhu Mohapatra is still a SMALL(Subi Samuel)

Mohapatra’s affair with the needle and thread began when he was about 12. Old saris, tablecloths and cheap fabric bought with pocket money would be cut and sewn up into dresses for his sister. (Subi Samuel)

From Rourkela, With Love

While interning at Halston in New York, Mohapatra worked non-stop: running to factories carrying bolts of fabrics, making embroidery layouts, going to fittings – while attending classes six days a week. (Subi Samuel)

New York, New York

Freida Pinto, Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o, Priyanka Chopra and Jennifer Lopez are among the celebrities Bibhu Mohapatra has dressed. (Getty Images)

Next Stop: Someplace Else