Mysuru / Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Nishat & Misba turn Panache into one of  Mysuru’s most loved fashion exhibitions…

Nishat Mohsin and Misba Umrean, Co-founders of the fashion exhibition platform ‘Panache’, have been curating memorable fashion experiences in Mysuru for several years.

What began as a modest initiative has grown into one of the city’s most-loved fashion exhibitions, offering a thoughtfully curated experience while bringing designers and fashion enthusiasts under one roof.

Alongside its successful editions in Mysuru, ‘Panache’ has also travelled to Bengaluru and Coorg in collaboration with several high-end brands.

While successfully steering ‘Panache’, the duo also balances their entrepreneurial journey with family life and personal passions.

Nishat, born in Bengaluru & raised in Mysuru, is married to a businessman and is a mother of two who enjoys designing spaces and nurturing plants.

Misba, born in Mysuru and now based in Bengaluru, is a B.Com graduate, married to a Bengaluru-based professional and a mother of three who enjoys travel, adventure sports and cooking.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, the sisters open up about their journey, inspiration and vision behind ‘Panache’: “Fashion is not just about clothing, it’s about creativity, craftsmanship and giving designers a platform to shine.” —Ed

Star of Mysore (SOM): How did the fashion extravaganza Panache begin? And what inspired you both to venture into fashion exhibition curation?

Nishat Mohsin and Misba Umrean: ‘Panache’ was envisioned by Nishat in 2008 as an intimate platform connecting designers with fashion enthusiasts. When Misba joined in 2009, the exhibition gained new momentum and gradually evolved into a celebrated fashion destination.

Coming from business-oriented families, we always aspired to create something of our own. Our journey into exhibition curation is driven by a deep appreciation for fashion not just as clothing, but for the creativity and craftsmanship behind it. Through ‘Panache’, we’ve had the joy of bringing ideas to life while giving designers a platform to shine.

OM: Mysuru is known for its legacy of royalty and rich cultural identity. Do you think Mysureans have a unique fashion sense? And when it comes to style, what defines them more, silk sarees or contemporary fashion trends?

Nishat and Misba: Absolutely. Mysureans have a refined and graceful sense of style. Silk sarees hold a special place; they’re timeless, elegant and deeply rooted in tradition. At the same time, they embrace contemporary styles and modern silhouettes with equal grace. What makes their style truly distinctive is this seamless blend of heritage and modernity, marked by elegance and understated sophistication.

SOM: In your opinion, how has the representation of women in fashion events evolved over the years?

Nishat and Misba: The evolution has been remarkable. While women were once seen mainly as participants or models, today they lead as designers, entrepreneurs and key decision-makers, shaping the industry.

Fashion platforms have become powerful spaces for women to express their creativity and vision through their brands, and it’s inspiring to witness and contribute to this evolution.

SOM: How has the role of social media and digital platforms changed how fashion exhibitions are promoted and experienced?

Nishat and Misba: Social media have introduced a new dimension to fashion exhibitions. Promotions that once relied on word of mouth now reach audiences instantly. Digital platforms create anticipation even before the event begins, allowing us to connect with our audience early and extend the energy of the exhibition beyond its closing day.

SOM: What has been your most memorable exhibition moment? Have you encountered a last-minute crisis? How do you navigate them?

Nishat and Misba: Some of the most memorable moments are often the simplest. Watching a designer sell out, or a visitor finding exactly what they were looking for, is priceless.

Naturally, live events come with their share of challenges, from logistical hurdles to unexpected technical setbacks. Over the years, there have been many last-minute surprises and we address them with composure, teamwork & mutual trust.

Nishat Mohsin (sitting) with her younger sister Misba Umrean

SOM: How do you ensure smooth collaboration among teams and what defines the success of an exhibition for you?

Nishat and Misba: Effective collaboration begins with clear communication and mutual respect. We involve designers, production, and marketing teams from the very beginning. So, everyone feels aligned and valued.

For us, the success of an exhibition goes beyond numbers. It lies in the connections created when designers feel supported, visitors leave inspired and the continued trust people place in ‘Panache’ year after year.

SOM: How do you stay calm and manage stress when the event date is approaching?

Nishat and Misba: As the event date approaches, there is always a certain rush, but over the years with ‘Panache’, we have learnt that staying calm is a conscious choice. Careful planning helps minimise last-minute stress. A quiet prayer, deep breaths and trusting our team help us stay grounded and we believe that positive energy always reflects in the event.

SOM: What advice would you give someone who wants to break into fashion or event management?

Nishat and Misba: Fashion and event management may appear glamorous, but they require discipline, patience and emotional intelligence. Start small, build genuine relationships and stay consistent, as reputation is paramount. Above all, understand people, fashion is not just about clothing, but about emotions and confidence.

SOM: What message would you like to share with women this Women’s Day?

Nishat and Misba: To every woman, we would say that strength is not defined by others; it lies in your ambition and compassion. Celebrate your achievements without guilt, dream beyond your fears and never diminish yourself to make others comfortable. Your journey simply needs to be your own.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by Shadan Muneer / March 16th, 2026