“A man should look as if he has bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” – Hardy Amies
Menswear has been having its day in the sun for the past couple of years. The shift toward a more unisex approach to fashion has given men more freedom in experimenting with silhouettes, designs, and reinterpreting the classics. While this new wave is welcomed, the tailored, sharp, and poised dressing for men will always remain in style. And one man who exemplifies this with impeccable elegance and skill is designer Raghavendra Rathore.
Celebrated for his sophisticated approach to menswear, Rathore is known for blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary Western silhouettes. He has built a reputation for creating elegant, timeless, and impeccably tailored clothing. His designs often feature rich fabrics, intricate embroideries, and his signature “Jodhpur” style, which draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
We caught up with the man behind the designs to learn more about his take on the evolution of menswear and his vision for the future.
How would you describe the story of your label in the most compelling way?
Reimaging a piece of Indian fashion culture and showcasing it on the global fashion map, making it accessible to some of the most influential figures of our time – that being the genesis of the lifestyle label Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur through the iconic Bandhgala.
In your opinion, what has been the most significant change in menswear over the past decade?
Varied choice, availability and most importantly the acceptability for men to experiment while staying true to classics.
Could you share some insights into your creative process and how you develop your designs?
Inspiration, exploration, deliberation and exchange of ideas with the clients to eventually designing and delivering an experience.
Do you think it’s easier or more challenging to succeed in the fashion industry today?
The nuance of expressing brand experience is changing so rapidly whether it is brick and mortar or digital, every brand has the danger of becoming a needle in a haystack if not positioned carefully.
What key advice would you give to aspiring designers entering the fashion world?
Focus on building a unique selling proposition and have an inclusive vision for the brand that you want to build – your audience will follow.
How crucial is it for a brand to build a lasting legacy in today’s fashion landscape?
In today’s world of digital & social media and instant gratification, a brand’s success hinges not just on building a legacy but on resonating with clients’ personal styles and meeting current demands. Relevance, through alignment with contemporary needs, is key to standing out.
What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of seeing so many people wear your brand at the Ambani wedding?
Being a bespoke brand seeped in the art of personalization, the audience’s understanding that classic dressing is forever and not subject to runway trends season after season. This is a humble reflection of the faith our patrons have in the brand.
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Written by
Analita Seth
Content Head
Analita Seth has previously worked as an entertainment journalist with Filmfare. When off duty, she's either binging on some true crime documentary, exploring new eateries around town, day-dreaming about travelling to cities on her bucketlist or scrolling through make-up tutorials on social media.
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