A Dream Rewoven

People
The Buzz Nepal
July 1 , 2025

Shambhu Puri’s Rise from Kathmandu to New York Fashion

Shambhu Puri, widely known as Shamvu, is a rising Nepalese fashion designer, stylist, and creative storyteller. Born and raised in Kathmandu, he brings the richness of his cultural roots into every design he creates. Now based in New York City and pursuing a Master’s in Fashion Marketing, Shambhu bridges Eastern tradition with Western innovation crafting fashion that speaks to identity, emotion, and purpose.

From humble beginnings, his journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a powerful belief in the transformative nature of dreams. For Shambhu, fashion is more than just design – it’s a storytelling language that honors where we come from and reflects who we are.

With a style that blends heritage and modernity, he continues to grow as a global creative force pushing boundaries, redefining narratives, and turning passion into purpose. Whether in Nepal or New York, Shambhu Puri is leading a new wave of culturally-rooted, globally-minded fashion storytellers.

From Healing Hands to Creative Vision

Shambhu didn’t grow up dreaming of runways or sketchbooks. In fact, his earliest ambition was to become a doctor, a dream grounded in service, purpose and honoring his family’s hopes.
“Medicine felt like a calling,” he says. “It wasn’t just about a career, it was about making a difference.”

But over time, the weight of that path – emotionally, financially, and personally began to take its toll. In that space of uncertainty, something unexpected emerged: fashion. It arrived not with a bang, but as a quiet voice, an intuitive pull toward color, texture and expression.

“I realized that while I may not be healing people physically, I could still make them feel seen, confident, and whole through what they wear. That, too, is a form of healing.”

The Namuna Chapter: Where It All Began

Shambhu’s transition into fashion began at Namuna College of Fashion Technology in Kathmandu, a decision that, at first felt like a detour. But it turned out to be the foundation of everything that followed.

“Namuna wasn’t just where I learned how to design,” he reflects. “It was where I learned how to listen to myself creatively.”

More than technique, the experience gave him space to experiment, fail, grow and ultimately discover the emotional depth of fashion. He began to understand design as a language that could translate personal stories into wearable art. Surrounded by passionate mentors and driven peers, he found both the discipline and the freedom to begin shaping his unique voice.

Looking back, Namuna was where the quiet passion inside me finally found direction and I’ll always be grateful for how it helped shape the foundation of who I am today.

Sam Sui: A Brand Born from Belief

While still a student, Shambhu took a leap and launched his own label Sam Sui Clothing. What began as custom pieces for family and friends organically grew into a brand grounded in identity, storytelling, and soul.

“I didn’t wait to be ‘ready,’” he says. “I started when my passion was still raw and honest.”

The brand became a reflection of his roots and his vision: a space where traditional culture meets modern storytelling. More than fashion, Sam Sui is a platform for emotion, connection, and cultural pride. What makes his designs stand out is their intention; they are not just meant to be worn, but felt.

“As the brand grows, it will continue to stand for something bigger than style—sustainability, inclusivity, and impact. That’s what fashion should do: reflect people, empower them, and move them.”

The Award That Changed Everything

In 2024, Shambhu was honored with the Best Costume Designer Award in New York, an emotional milestone that marked not just a professional win, but a personal triumph.

“It wasn’t about the trophy,” he says. “It was about everything that came before it: the sacrifices, the doubts, the faith.”

While the award opened doors, it also deepened his purpose. “It reminded me why I started. Recognition is beautiful, but what fuels me is the why the dream, the impact, the vision.”

This award was a milestone but not the destination. It deepened my sense of purpose and reminded me of something I truly believe in: when you show up with belief, work hard, and stay true to your purpose the universe sees that, and somehow, it starts working with you.

Redefining Success, Staying Grounded

Like many creatives, Shambhu’s idea of success has evolved over time. What once meant external validation such as awards, accolades, prestige has shifted toward something quieter but more profound.

“Success, to me now, is about consistency. It’s about showing up, even when no one’s watching. It’s about creating something honest.”

He’s candid about the challenges on unpaid projects, sleepless nights, and being overlooked despite giving his all. “People often forget the hundred things you do right to focus on the one thing that didn’t go perfectly. But I’ve learned to stop chasing validation. Now, I focus on alignment.”

The Nepalese Fashion Landscape and What’s Next

As both a creator and a visionary, Shambhu has high hopes for the future of fashion in Nepal. He sees the industry on the path of something transformative driven by a new wave of designers who are blending heritage with innovation.

“Our strength lies in our stories,” he says. “We’re not just replicating trends, we’re creating narratives rooted in culture, identity, and originality.”

But he’s also aware of the work that still needs to be done: more support systems, investment in young talent, and spaces that allow creatives to be bold and seen.

“In the next decade, I see Nepali fashion becoming more conscious, more global, and more inclusive. I hope to be a part of that evolution not just as a designer, but as someone who opens doors for others.”

Doubt, Dreams, and the Power of Showing Up

Despite everything he’s accomplished, Shambhu doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. He speaks openly about moments of doubt, disappointment, and exhaustion.

“There were times I gave my heart to a project and walked away empty-handed. Times I felt unseen, unheard. But what brought me back was always the dream, the whisper that reminded me why I began.”

That whisper, once quiet, is now a full voice one that continues to shape not just garments, but a movement.

“I didn’t give up on my dream – it evolved,” Shambhu says. “And in that evolution, I found my purpose.”

Today, as he straddles two worlds – Kathmandu and New York, tradition and modernity, storytelling and style he remains grounded in the values that shaped him: faith, hard work, and belief in something bigger. And with each thread, sketch and stitch, Shambhu Puri isn’t just creating fashion he’s creating a legacy.