As the 7th India Runway Week opened in New Delhi, a new generation of designers from all over India came into the spotlight. Standing out of the obvious was Rachat, an emerging label by Shruti Grover and Rohan Singh who presented a collection that wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful.
Taking the runway in coordinated sets and headgear (military helmets adorned with foliage), models showcased Rachat’s standout embellishments, distinct silhouettes, and concealed embroidery. But there was more to the clothes than what met the eye. Each ensemble in the collection contributed to the concept behind the collection – the narrative of a girl in the armed forces, torn between duty and personal desires yet determined to fulfill her duties. The story-led collection of maxi dresses, culottes and cleverly styled coats met with resounding applause for the brand which completes a year this November. We caught up with the Shruti and Rohan, who live and work in Delhi, at the bustling fashion week venue soon after their show.
Every brand has a story. Tell us Rachat’s story.
Rachat, pronounced “rasha”, means redemption in French. When something is totally worn out, something new can be born of it. With Rachat, we want to redefine fashion by bringing together extremes that have never been seen before! That is Rachat for you – remould, rebirth, redefine!
How did you incorporate your design ideology in this collection?
We believe in creating something unique, and reinvent the perception of Indian handloom and embroideries. For this collection, titled 00:00hrs, we experimented with silhouettes, embellishment techniques, and textures. Our base was handloom fabrics and we wanted break the existing stereotypes about these fabrics with new, prêt designs.
Describe the collection in a phrase.
Unusual and edgy with lots of handloom embroidery.
It’s going to be tricky, but pick a favourite from the collection.
All our ensembles are made with truckloads of love! Though it’s difficult to single out, our pick would be a brown maxi dress which showcases a knitwear pattern on woven textile. It hasn’t been done before, but seeing how way it falls and drapes itself on the wearer, well, it was a risk worth taking!
A trend we should be on the lookout for.
We think handlooms are the next big thing. Indian audiences are finally changing their perspective and giving a thumbs-up to innovative handloom apparel and products.
Name a style icon you would love to see in this collection.
Rihanna. She’s the queen! She knows how to carry anything and everything, from couture to athleisure. Rachat’s earthy embellishments will look heavenly on her.
What is the next exciting step for Rachat?
We’re going to start retailing soon and participate in more fashion weeks! The brand was born in our hearts, while we were still students at NIFT. Our love for fashion grew until it manifested itself into Rachat. Our entire journey has been so incredible. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Coco Chanel once said, “There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony. There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time.” Rachat’s thought provoking presentation which introduced novelty to the India Runway week with its bold and unique sensibilities was all that and everything more.
