Omi Gurung

Omi Gurung
File:Omi1.jpg Omi Gurung
Born	Sandeep Gurung (1986-02-24) February 24, 1986 Sikkim, India
Residence	Banshankari, Bangalore, India
Occupation	Designer / Writer
Website	www.omigurung.com

Omi (born Sandeep Gurung, 24 February 1986), is an Indian Fashion designer of Nepali origin, writer and green activist.

Omi was born and brought up in Sikkim. He is the son of R.K. Gurung, former Secretary, Department of Mines, Minerals & Geology, Government of Sikkim and Beena Gurung. For Omi, the seeds of his green consciousness were in many ways, laid down by his parents. At the age of 22, he was the editor for Dateline Bangalore and later worked as a fashion editor for a youth magazine in Bangalore. He has also been featured in leading newspapers in India like The Hindu, DNA, Vijay Times, TOI, Bangalore Mirror, Talk Sikkim, Sikkim Express, Sikkim Mail, Telegraph, The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle, Midday, Prajawani, Usha Kiran, Vijaya Next, Udayavani, Sikkim Mail and many more.

Omi has also been actively writing on Fashion and Lifestyle related topics for some of the leading dailies in India and international journals. Multi talented Omi at a young age has carved a niche for himself in the fashion world. Omi also runs a social group Oh My India (OMI). OMI catalysis change in the lifestyle of people in India by creating awareness to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle domestic waste and helping them to get started. OMI believes by following 3R concept and going green, we can do our bit to protect the environment and is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint as well.

The designer is also the owner of Green Gangtok- eco friendly fashion boutique, first of its kind in Sikkim. The boutique houses an array of exciting fashionable green choices in apparels, accessories and artefacts.The products are natural, upcycled and as well as sustainable and fair. It is his noble attempt to promote the green trend and propagate sustainable consumption among urban consumers.

Education

Omi did his schooling from Holy Cross School, Tadong, Sikkim. He holds a fashion degree from Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology and Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from Sri Sri Centre for Media Studies (Bangalore). Omi was always a topper in his college. (Vogue Institute of Fashion Technology)

Award

Omi's design collection “Integration- a new identity” won “The Most Creative Collection” award at Vogue Mystique Designer Awards- 2005-2006 which was given by film actress, dancer and former MP Vyjayantimala Bali.

Omi was a finalist in PETA India’s CUTEST VEGETARIAN Next Door 2013. Omi was selected out of thousands of contestants from across India, making him the first cutest vegetarian from North East to reach the final of the contest organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India. According to him, “The naked truth is that we are all animals. Vegetarianism will enrich and nourish your body, mind and soul. Green is not just a colour – green is a verb! It's a lifestyle!”