Raghavendra Rathore is an iconic name synonymous with the timeless Bandhgala, renowned worldwide. With over two decades of mastery in the art of fashion, he has become a go-to designer for Bollywood’s elite, including the likes of Saif Ali Khan and royal princes like Sawai Padmanabh Singh. Hailing from the culturally rich city of Jodhpur, Rathore draws inspiration from his heritage, infusing his creations with a regal touch.
His creative prowess extends beyond textiles and tailoring, encompassing jewelry, interior design, and multimedia projects. Raghavendra Rathore’s eponymous brand showcases his signature aesthetics, a fusion of classic designs with a contemporary twist, reflecting the opulence of Rajasthan’s holistic luxury.
Through his label, Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur, he has carved a global reputation, known for its rustic charm blended with traditional elegance. Some of his most sought-after pieces include the Jodhpuri Achkans, Jodhpuri Breeches & Satin, and Jodhpuri Waistcoat Set, solidifying his status as a venerated figure in the fashion industry, celebrating India’s rich cultural tapestry. We discuss about the wardrobes of Saif Ali Khan, Sawai Padmanabh Singh, and other distinguished figures.
Question 1: Can you share some insights into the creative process and inspiration behind designing wardrobes for distinguished royals, modern aristocratic families and established actors? What unique challenges and opportunities do you encounter when dressing royalties?
Creating our bespoke designs is a meticulous process, with state of the art craftsmanship and innovative fabrics. Our discerning clients range from prominent figures like the Maharaja of Baroda, and Tehri Garhwal, the Emir of Qatar, the Duchess of York, and King Felipe of Spain, in addition to dignitaries from the Middle East.
Crafting an outfit for these quintessential individuals has always been about more than just the clothes – it’s about capturing their essence in fabric and design. The challenge lies in bringing out their distinct character yet having a global appeal. This has provided us an opportunity to fuel our passion into reinventing bespoke designs each time.
Question 2: Your work often blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. How do you strike a balance between preserving the heritage of Indian fashion while catering to the evolving tastes and preferences of your high-profile clients?
Each season at the atelier, we create designs that encapsulate the essence of our brand along with modern aesthetics. We evolve with our designs by the virtue of innovative fabrics, and reimagining bespoke for the way ahead. The classic Bandhgala is reinvented with fresh looks and new avatars progressively.
The Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur brand beautifully demonstrates, the future of fashion lies not in discarding the past, but in celebrating and reinventing it.
Question 3: Dressing royalties comes with the responsibility of upholding cultural and social significance. How do you ensure that your designs not only reflect the individual style of your clients but also honour their heritage and societal roles?
Our design process begins with a deep dive into the cultural ethos of old world India. From the architecture to the textiles, the folklore to the royalty, the equestrian sport of Polo everything is a source of inspiration. These inspirations are then translated into design elements and fabric manipulations. Individuals who relate to these nuances, understand that its more than fashion; it’s about storytelling and keeping traditions alive.
Each design is created keeping in mind varied preferences and personalised consultations, helping us incorporate their unique identity into our garments. The bespoke tailoring compliments each persona seamlessly and enhances their unique identity.
Question 4: Can you highlight any memorable experiences or anecdotes from your collaborations with these distinguished figures? How have their personal stories and preferences influenced your design choices?
Collaborating with distinguished personalities in movies has been a journey. The immaculate understanding of characters in the movie ‘Eklavya’ portrayed by Jackie Shroff, Amitabh Bacchan and Saif Ali khan has helped us in designing the details with utmost precision. The designer has to translate, the director’s vision as per the intrinsic aristocratic sensibilities with the same stroke of brush for a scene. The stories of these characters have effortlessly blended well with our design choices, along with helping us evolve with each individual.
Question 5: The fashion industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate while maintaining the timeless elegance that is synonymous with dressing royalties?
I believe that the key to remaining relevant in a rapidly changing industry is innovation with preservation. Our designs are steeped in tradition, yet, they carry a contemporary appeal. The challenge that lies ahead of us is balancing the ethos of Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur brand with the evolving trends in fashion. By maintaining the core ethos of our brand, which is rooted in heritage and craftsmanship, and adapting it to modern aesthetics, we’ve managed to stay distinct and relevant. The brand consistently advocates for a timeless, traditional appearance each season.
