Chalukya's story

Chalukya's tells her story of overcoming serious adversity from deep depression to the near-death of father to realising her dream of becoming a fashion designer with the help of Carers Trust's Network Partner local carer centre, Harrow Young Carers.

Since she was a child, Chalukya dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Nothing unusual in that, you might say. However, Chalukya's journey from being a young carer in Harrow to securing a position on London’s esteemed Savile Row was anything but ordinary.

Her path was filled with obstacles, and there were moments when she doubted her chances of success in the fashion world. Yet, her unwavering determination helped her overcome these challenges.

During her undergraduate studies in men’s fashion at the London College of Fashion, Chalukya experienced homelessness. She later moved in with her father to become his primary carer.

Balancing the demands of caring with managing her own autism, she pursued her education, eventually enrolling in a Master's program at Central Saint Martins where only 5% of applicants are accepted.

Chalukya also earned a scholarship from the British Fashion Council, which recognized her talent and potential. This financial support was crucial for her continued education.

Chalukya and her fashion project team

In her final year of the Master's program, her father's health deteriorated severely, forcing her to pause her studies to care for him.

Even after his condition stabilized, Chalukya faced additional hardships, including issues with a difficult landlord and a challenging university mentor. These problems exacerbated her struggles, leading her into a deep depression.

Despite these setbacks, Chalukya did not give up. With numerous obstacles in her path, she chose to take a year off from her studies.

During this time, a mentor from Disability Student Allowance identified her as a carer and recommended she connect with Harrow Young Carers, which provided her with much-needed support.

"It was hard because I was on my own. Harrow Young Carers actually came into my life after my Masters. When I came here I was very depressed, burnt out and suicidal. I wish they were there when I did my degree.”

Clinging to a sliver of hope, she decided to take the advice and reached out to Harrow Young Carers. Kevin Lema, the Young Adult Carers Lead, personally contacted her and encouraged her to attend a session at the center. Since then, Chalukya has been a regular attendee, visiting the center nearly every week.

“They’ve really helped me move on from my Masters. I felt like I ruined my Masters and ruined my life. Now with Harrow Young Carers, it’s been very different."

For the first time, Chalukya found herself in a supportive and understanding environment, and began to flourish. With the support of Kevin and the team, she bolstered her portfolio and experience as a men’s fashion designer – so much so that her work was recognised by the British Fashion Council.

They invited her to come and network with key people in the industry and showcase her collection at London Fashion Week 2023.

“It’s been widely appreciated. My work is all about giving middle-aged to older men a voice in fashion, showing the beauty of ageing and breaking down stigma associated with it.”  

In August 2023,, she was approached by Fashion Scout who wanted to create a film about her work. The film, made in collaboration with the team at Harrow and was launched for London Fashion Week 2024. Watch it here.

“I’ve been able to achieve that with them [Harrow Young Carers]. They’ve really nurtured me and my talent and accepted me for who I am. It’s like another family really. I just wish they were in my life earlier. They’ve given me a lot of hope and made me realise what I want to achieve as a designer.”

Chalukya credits much of her success to the support from Harrow Young Carers, but her own perseverance and resilience were crucial in getting her to where she is now. Her unwavering passion for her work, guided by a clear vision, has been the driving force behind her achievements.

“My work is all about storytelling, telling the stories of real people, dressing real people. People like my dad model for me for that reason."

With Chalukya recently securing a position at a men’s fashion designers on Savile Row, her career path and general outlook is one of hope and optimism.