The much-awaited, in-person FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week, held in the capital may have come to an end but the sartorial magic still continues to linger. Letting go of its ‘phygital’ format, the gala set the sartorial guns blazing on the runway in form of extravagant presentations and mesmerizing collections.
One such collection was presented by designer Rajdeep Ranawat on Day 3 of the fashion fest. Titled ‘Sayuri,’ the collection featured a fragile beauty for the apparel, as the designer took the audience on a journey to the Orient Express. The print story revolved around a mélange of unusual multi-colored prints, fabrics, bizarre silks while the motifs paid homage to clear oriental skies and then moved to pagodas that had a Zen-like calmness. Flowing, fluid, silhouettes, swirling skirts, intricately crafted over shirts, luxurious scarves, billowy kaftans and maxis made Rajdeep’s collection one that stuck with us from the 5-day fashion extravaganza!
In an exclusive conversation with PeepingMoon.com, Rajdeep opened up about the inspiration behind his latest collection, and how did he feel presenting a ‘physical’ collection after the post-pandemic era.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. The FDCI x LFW has returned to its full-fledged physical format. How would you describe your experience of being a part of on-ground shows?
We have been with FDCI since 2008 and I remember when they called me for the first show and I was ecstatic and again after the pandemic they’ve asked me to do a show for them, I am again very ecstatic. It's bringing back so many memories. It’s always good to be part of the selection of designers of a historical moment like this post-pandemic, which we have experienced. So, I am very happy
Q. Your last show for the season was S/R 2020. Post that many changes have taken place in the format such as going ‘phygital and seasonless.’ How did you feel about presenting your latest collection after so many changes?
For me and my customers, I have always felt that the ‘phygital’ shows for me and my brand did not work as such. I only believed in the physical shows. I believed in making presentations and sets, and giving the experience to my customers. So, since the physical show has started now and I am a part of it, I am very grateful to Lakme (Fashion Week) and FDCI for giving me this opportunity and I think this format is something that works best for me.
Q. What factors did you consider before zeroing down on the mood board and designs of your collection?
Two years have given us a chance during the lockdown to watch a lot of movies and read a lot of books. The movie which actually captured my heart, and the essence of this collection is based on Memoirs of a Geisha. And I tried to showcase it in this collection.
Q. What served as an inspiration behind this collection?
The main inspiration was the beautiful Geisha from this small village of Kyoto, Japan. Along with her, the inspiration came from the Kimonos, the florals, the blossoms, the peonies- everything to do with the Japanese textiles, art and culture.
Q. With COVID-19 still around, what precautions were taken during the fittings/ rehearsals of the show?
During fittings and rehearsals, mandatory double vaccination certificates had to be submitted for everybody entering the place, we had to wear N-95 masks at all times and do an RT-PCR test 48 hours prior to the show. We also had to do a rapid antigen test just before the fittings had to start. So every sort of precaution was taken at the show.
Q. How different is orchestrating a physical show from that of a phygital show? What’s your preference?
I think a physical show for me makes more sense than a phygital show because in a physical show you actually get to see the garments for real. In a phygital show, you can alter and change the garment’s mood and colour as you want. But physical (show) is what we believe in and what our clients and buyers understand.
Q. How do you feel the pandemic of Coronavirus has changed things in the fashion industry? Do you feel these changes were long due?
I think these changes were long due as it has taught us to be very self-independent when it comes to online and e-commerce. Everybody is gone online, we’ve reached a wider, broader spectrum of market and buyers, thanks to this. It’s definitely made us more avid and sort of more engaged with our customers as well as clients.
Q. The digital format took over LFW for the past two seasons. Do you think with the world opened back up, this era will be old school?
Digital fashion will be old school as the physical show is always the best and the most intimate experience when it comes to fashion shows. Obviously, the same fashion show is aired digitally through all modes of social media platform so digital is also here to stay!
Q. Post this, do you already have any next collection in mind? When can we expect it?
We do about 12 collections a year which is one collection every month. We do two fashion week collections a year, so that makes it in total 14 collections a year so yes we already have a collection that has to launch next month and next to next month as well.
(Source- PeepingMoon)
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