In the rigorous world of fashion design and interior design, inspiration isn't just found in a studio—it’s found in the world. To break the monotony of mid-semester deadlines and complex assignments, students from Ellen College of Design packed their bags for an unforgettable getaway to the "City of Lakes."
This wasn't a research trip; it was a 100% "No-Assignment Zone." It was a weekend dedicated to refueling the creative spirit, proving that sometimes the best fashion inspiration and interior architecture insights come when you aren't actually looking for them.
A City of Living Design
From the moment we arrived, the historic charm of Udaipur took over. Stepping away from our sewing machines and floor plans, we traded measuring tapes for cameras and sunglasses.
- The Royal Blueprint: Exploring the City Palace was a dream for our interior architecture enthusiasts. From the intricate mirror work of the Sheesh Mahal to the rhythmic courtyards, the palace provided a masterclass in structural grandeur and heritage aesthetics.
- Lakeside Vibes: Whether it was a boat ride on the serene waters of Lake Pichola or watching the sunset at Fateh Sagar, the city’s natural color palette provided endless fashion inspiration for future collections.
- Cafe Hopping & Street Eats: From rooftop cafes with panoramic views to the spicy flavors of local street food, the trip was as much a culinary adventure as it was a visual one.
Laughter, Lyrics, and Late-Night Talks
The true magic of the trip happened in the "in-between" moments. Away from the classroom hierarchy, students from across all design disciplines at Ellen College bonded over:
- The Bus Playlist: No trip is complete without a loud, out-of-tune karaoke session on the road. The energy was electric from Jaipur all the way to Udaipur.
- Hathi Pol Hustle: You can take a designer out of the college, but you can’t take the shopper out of the designer! Our students scoured the lanes for silver jewelry and local textiles—this time, purely for personal style.
- Bonding Beyond the Bias Cut: Late-night conversations at the hotel helped forge new friendships, proving that the strongest creative teams are built during moments of play.
Returning with a Fresh Perspective
While we officially left our work behind, Udaipur’s colors—the deep indigos, the desert ochres, and the shimmering golds—have a way of sticking with you. We returned to the Ellen College of Design campus with slightly tired feet but incredibly energized souls.
This break was a vital reminder that rest is a core part of the design process. We’re back in the campus now, but the laughter from the lakeside still echoes in our hallways, ready to be poured into our next big fashion design or interior design project.