THE ROYAL COUTURIER RAGHAVENDRA RATHORE

IN A FREE-WHEELING INTERVIEW WITH HELLO! THE SEASONED FASHION DESIGNER COVERS TWO DECADES OF SARTORIAL BRILLIANCE AND REVEALS THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT HE’S EMBRACED FROM HIS REGAL LINEAGE HAS BEEN EMPATHY, WHICH ENSURES HIS DESIGNS RESONATE WITH THE HEART

- NAYARE ALI

Exuding charm and sophistication, with a tenure of two decades in men’s couture, Raghavendra Rathore stands as the epitome of refined style. The distinguished designer, a member of the Jodhpur royal family, founded Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur (RRJ) in 1994. Drawing inspiration from his royal lineage, he became renowned for distinctive cuts, flawlessly tailored jodhpurs and elegant bandhgalas. It has since become the preferred choice for the discerning Indian gentleman.

Maintaining a discreet presence on social media and embracing technology through AI, Raghavendra is expanding his horizons beyond the realm of couture. In a free-flowing conversation with HELLO! he talks about his advent into the world of interior design, his foray into film couture, the increasing recognition of men’s fashion in India and how he spends his time when he’s not immersed in the creative process.

In India, fashion has traditionally been a woman’s world with the desi men taking no interest. How much has that changed since the advent of the metrosexual male, especially from your perspective as a designer for men?

The rise of the selfie culture and constant social media commentary has dramatically altered social dynamics. Nowadays, every moment is displayed, scrutinised and discussed online. This exposure has influenced the metrosexual man, transforming his self-perception and sense of style. The evolution is evident, as men become more conscious and competitive about their image in a society that is increasingly interconnected and visually oriented.

How would you define the new-age male shopper?