INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day Special…

A graceful trailblazer redefines Mysuru’s fashion and business landscape

Krupa Sumanth, the visionary who introduced Mysuru’s first fashion event in the year 2000, is a symbol of creativity and modern entrepreneurship. She has built a thriving portfolio of coffee ventures alongside her one-on-one practice in image consulting.

Born into a coffee-growing family in Chikkamagaluru and raised in Bengaluru, she combines intellect and style. Married to a franchise owner and a devoted mother of two, Krupa pursues her passions for travel, cuisine, yoga and fitness with grace and ambition. To commemorate International Women’s Day, Star of Mysore caught up with Krupa Sumanth, a ground-breaking woman entrepreneur, where she says, “design your own journey and own an identity that’s truly yours.”—Ed

By Shadan Muneer

Star of Mysore (SOM): You pioneered Mysuru’s designer exhibition space with your brand ‘Impressionz’ 25 years ago. Tell us about your journey and what inspired you to enter the world of fashion and event management?

Krupa Sumanth: When I moved to Mysuru nearly three decades ago, after my marriage, I noticed the city lacked curated designer exhibitions that catered to a niche, quality-conscious audience like those in Bengaluru, where I had studied Economics and fashion design.

As a designer of sleepwear collections, I created a platform to showcase my work, starting with a small pop-up show. The overwhelming response led to the birth of ‘Impressionz,’ which emerged as Mysuru’s first-ever fashion event known for quality, exclusivity and a refined shopping experience, attracting designers from across India.

SOM: Mysuru is renowned for its grace and heritage. How did its people respond to such a novel concept?

Krupa: The response was exceptional. For Mysuru, it marked an elegant shift, bringing premier designers from across India directly to the city, eliminating the need to travel to larger metros. The exclusivity and convenience generated remarkable excitement.

‘Impressionz’ elevated the experience by hosting exhibitions in star hotels with a meticulously curated, refined setup. The sophisticated ambience and seamless execution transformed it into a highly anticipated, prestigious fashion event.

SOM: Elaborate on the process of planning an event from inception to completion. What measures do you take to ensure that each event feels fresh and distinct from the last?

Krupa: Every event begins with a unique concept and a clear understanding of the target audience. I then choose the right venue, structure the budget and focus on key elements.

Careful planning and seamless coordination with all teams ensure a polished, memorable experience. Each exhibition is guided by a distinctive theme, bringing fresh creative energy to every edition.

SOM: How do you anticipate emerging trends and curate the designers, brands and collections featured in your exhibitions?

Krupa: Keeping up with times is a continuous process of learning and closely observing our audience. It requires understanding customer preferences and adapting to changing fashion sensibilities. I choose designers with authenticity, impeccable craftsmanship and a strong brand story. I balance established names with emerging talent, creating an engaging showcase. This approach keeps ‘Impressionz’ respected and relevant, drawing designers from across India and presenting exhibitions in multiple cities, from Bengaluru to Mumbai.

SOM: Do you think social media has changed the way women perceive their self-image? What’s your take on the contrast between Instagram portrayals and reality when it comes to beauty standards?

Krupa: Yes, social media has undeniably influenced both fashion dynamics and the way individuals perceive themselves. Platforms such as Instagram often showcase a carefully edited ideal and project perfection, which is far from reality. Viewing curated images can quietly make us compare ourselves and feel insecure. True beauty, however, lies in confidence and individuality, something no filters can replace. At the same time, social media has democratised fashion. Trends spread instantly, designers gain visibility and consumers access global styles with ease, expanding awareness and choice.

SOM: What inspired you to start a coffee venture alongside fashion? Do Mysureans prefer filter coffee or cappuccino?

Krupa: Hailing from a coffee-growing family in Chikkamagaluru, coffee has always been central to my life. During the pandemic, we saw an opportunity to bring something authentic to Mysuru, leading to the launch of ‘Bean Stop,’ dedicated to serving robust, freshly ground filter coffee. What began as a single outlet quickly grew into several, thanks to an overwhelming response.

Mysureans prefer traditional filter coffee, strong, piping hot and served in modest portions, while cappuccino remains a globally popular choice.

SOM: In your experience as an image consultant, what transformations do Mysuru clients love the most?

Krupa: I’ve found that clients in Mysuru appreciate transformations that feel both natural and empowering. The goal isn’t to look different or become someone else; they want to present the best, most elevated version of themselves.

SOM: What key advice would you offer to someone seeking to elevate their personal or brand image?

Krupa: To elevate your image, prioritise fit and structure; impeccable tailoring instantly conveys confidence. Adopt neutral tones to create a refined and premium impression. Present yourself at the level you intend to rise to and above all, wear confidence; your posture does the rest.

SOM: In honour of Women’s Day, what simple practice can a woman begin today to feel stronger and more self-assured tomorrow?

Krupa: Begin by taking yourself seriously. Invest in your personal growth, develop a skill, build something of your own and shape an identity that is distinctly yours.

When a woman becomes financially informed, emotionally grounded and confident in her capabilities, her presence naturally transforms.