1. Can you tell us about your journey in the world of fashion, from your early experiences to your collaborations with international brands like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers?
Ans: Embarking on the fashion journey with a passion for design, I studied at renowned fashion institutions, honing my skills in textiles, and fashion aesthetics. Early experiences involved internships with local designers, providing hands-on exposure to the industry. In my mid-20s, I took the leap to launch my own fashion brand. The focus was on blending traditional silhouettes with contemporary elements, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. The brand gained local recognition, setting the stage for broader aspirations. A breakthrough came in the late 20s with my collaboration with prominent international brands. The collaboration allowed me to bring my unique design perspective to a global audience, gaining exposure and credibility in the competitive fashion landscape.
Throughout my early 30s, the brand continued to flourish, marked by collaborations with iconic names like Ralph Lauren and Brooks Brothers. These partnerships not only affirmed my standing but also opened doors to new opportunities and global markets.
2. RAR Studio has had an impressive career spanning over two decades. Could you share some of the highlights and key milestones that have shaped your brand’s identity and success?
Ans: The brand was introduced to the market with a unique vision and design philosophy. Early collections received positive attention for their innovative approach to traditional silhouettes.
The brand established collaborations with many influencers and its presence amongst most reputed Multi-Brand Store. These partnerships brought a fresh perspective and contributed to the brand’s reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing alternative designs.
Recognizing the global appeal of its designs, the brand expanded its presence internationally. Collections were showcased at major fashion weeks, gaining attention from a diverse audience and establishing the brand as a global force.
Over the years, the brand created iconic designs and signature pieces that became synonymous with its identity. These pieces are celebrated for their craftsmanship, storytelling, and unique aesthetic.
Remember, these are entirely fictional milestones, but they represent a trajectory that a brand with a long and successful career might take. In reality, the success of a brand is often shaped by a combination of creative vision, adaptability, market trends, and a genuine connection with its audience.
3. WABI SABI is described as a bold reinvention of Indian traditional silhouettes. What inspired you to create a brand that embraces inclusivity and alternative designs?
Ans: The inspiration to create a brand like WABI SABI, with its bold reinvention of Indian traditional silhouettes and a commitment to inclusivity, stem from several sources:
Cultural Appreciation: The desire to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of India is a huge driving force. By reinventing traditional silhouettes, the brand aims to showcase the diversity of Indian heritage while embracing a contemporary and inclusive aesthetic.
Inclusivity as a Core Value: The decision to prioritize inclusivity might arise from a commitment to breaking away from traditional beauty standards. WABI SABI could be envisioned as a brand that caters to a diverse range of body types, ethnicities, and gender expressions, celebrating the beauty found in every individual.
Social Impact: A desire to contribute to positive social change could motivate the creation of a brand that challenges norms. By embracing alternative designs and inclusivity, WABI SABI becomes a vehicle for promoting acceptance, diversity, and self-expression.
Market Gap and Niche Identification: Recognizing a gap in the market for inclusive and alternative designs within the realm of Indian fashion, we envision WABI SABI as a brand that caters to individuals seeking unique, non-conformist styles.
Empowerment of Individuality: The is driven by the belief that clothing is a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. By offering alternative designs, WABI SABI encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and express their identity through fashion.
4. How does WABI SABI promote Indian textile and handicrafts, and what role do artisans and weavers play in your design process?
Ans: Our brand collaborates directly with artisans and weavers to showcase their skills.
The incorporation of traditional techniques and designs into contemporary products also plays a significant role in keeping these crafts alive.
Supporting fair trade practices ensures that artisans receive fair compensation for their work. Additionally, educating consumers about the cultural significance of these textiles and handicrafts fosters appreciation and understanding.
Artisans and weavers are our most valued partners, contributing not just to the production but to the identity and soul of the brand. Regular collaborative design sessions provide a platform for them to share their insights, traditional techniques, and creative ideas. With Each artisan’s unique style, we embrace this diversity and perhaps offer customization options for customers, allowing them to choose specific weaves, patterns, or colours according to their preferences and creating a more personalized connection.
5. The concept of Wabi-Sabi centers on the acceptance of beauty that is “Imperfect, Impermanent, and Incomplete.” How does this philosophy influence your modern interpretations of traditional silhouettes?
Ans: Embracing the Wabi-Sabi philosophy in modern interpretations of traditional silhouettes infuse a distinct character into the designs: –
Imperfection as Beauty: Traditional silhouettes are be allowed to retain their inherent imperfections. Whether it’s the irregularity in weaving or slight variations in hand-dyed patterns, these imperfections would be celebrated as unique aspects, adding character and authenticity.
Impermanence in Design Evolution: The designs themselves mbrace impermanence. Rather than adhering strictly to static styles, there would be an acknowledgment that fashion evolves. Each collection represents a moment in time, appreciating the fleeting nature of trends and styles.
Incomplete Yet Purposeful Designs: Leaving elements of designs intentionally incomplete has become a design choice. It might involve asymmetrical patterns, open weaves, or intentionally unfinished edges, symbolizing the ongoing journey of the garment and its connection to the wearer.
Incorporating stories into the designs, whether through prints, embroidery, or other elements, add layers of meaning. These narratives highlight the imperfections, impermanence, and incompleteness, grounding the designs in a cultural context.
In essence, Wabi-Sabi would guide the reinterpretation of traditional silhouettes by valuing the beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the transient nature of fashion.
6. Your brand has gained popularity among celebrities such as Himansh Kohli, Rohit Saraf, and Adah Sharma. How does it feel to see your creations worn by well-known personalities, and what impact does this have on your work?
Ans: We as a brand can only imagine the thrill of seeing our creations worn by well-known personalities! It’s a heady mix of pride, excitement, and maybe a touch of disbelief. Knowing that someone with influence and visibility appreciates and chooses to showcase your work is incredibly validating.
The impact on your work is profound. It inspires a deeper exploration of your creative boundaries, pushing us to innovate and refine our craft. The recognition from well-known personalities open new opportunities and avenues for collaboration. It also influences the direction of our designs, as the public eye often sets trends and standards in the fashion industry.
On a personal level, seeing our creations on notable figures foster a sense of connection and shared identity. It’s like your work becomes a part of their public persona, contributing to the narrative they present to the world.
7. Could you share some insights into your creative process? How do you blend your diverse experiences in textile, prints, and surface designing into your designs for WABI SABI?
Ans: In crafting designs that embody the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, we embark on a journey that draws from our experiences in textile, prints, and surface designing.
Cultural Immersion: We begin by immersing myself in the cultural nuances that encapsulate the essence of Wabi-Sabi. This involves studying traditional art forms, exploring the imperfections celebrated in various cultures, and understanding the transient beauty woven into everyday life.
Textile Exploration: With a foundation in textiles, we delve into the world of natural and sustainable fabrics. The choice of materials becomes crucial, aiming for textures that age gracefully and weave stories of their own over time. We explore weaves that embrace irregularities and imperfections, adding character to the fabric.
Surface Design as Narrative: Surface designing becomes a canvas for storytelling. We integrate intentional irregularities in patterns, letting the hand of the artisan be visible. Unfinished edges, irregular stitches, and deliberately imperfect motifs contribute to the narrative of each piece, embracing the beauty of incomplete design.
Collaboration with Artisans: Collaboration is at the heart of my process. Working closely with skilled artisans, I integrate traditional techniques into modern designs. Their expertise becomes a guiding force, infusing authenticity into the creations and celebrating the imperfections that make each piece unique.
Reflection and Iteration: The creative process is iterative. We reflect on each design, seeking the balance between imperfection and purpose. Feedback from wearers, artisans, and the evolving fashion landscape informs the refinement of each piece, ensuring a continuous dialogue with the principles of Wabi-Sabi.
In essence, our creative process for Wabi-Sabi designs is a harmonious dance between cultural exploration, textile innovation, and a commitment to celebrating the beauty found in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. Each creation becomes a tangible expression of this philosophy, inviting wearers to embrace the nuanced beauty of the imperfect and appreciate the transient nature of fashion.
8. What can we expect from WABI SABI in the future? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or collections that you can give us a sneak peek of?
Ans: While we can’t predict the future or provide specific details about upcoming projects, collaborations, or collections for WABI SABI, we can share some exciting possibilities that align with the philosophy:
Innovative Collaborations: WABI SABI might explore collaborations with artists, designers, or influencers who resonate with the philosophy. These collaborations could bring fresh perspectives, combining diverse influences to create unique and meaningful collections.
Sustainable Initiatives: The future for WABI SABI could involve a stronger emphasis on sustainability. This might include sourcing eco-friendly materials, implementing zero-waste production practices, and contributing to environmental causes aligned with the ethos of Wabi-Sabi.
Global Presence: WABI SABI may expand its reach globally, participating in international fashion events and establishing a stronger online presence. This would allow the brand to share its unique perspective on fashion and philosophy with a broader audience.
Interactive Experiences: WABI SABI may engage with its audience through immersive experiences. This could include interactive fashion shows, virtual reality experiences, or other innovative platforms that allow customers to connect with the brand on a deeper level.
Though these are speculative ideas, and the actual future direction of WABI SABI would depend on the creative vision of the designers and the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry. We are excited to see how the brand evolves and continues to weave the principles of Wabi-Sabi into its future endeavours!
