Couture WITH A CONSCIENCE

With A Philosophy Rooted In Kindness, Respect, And A Deep Appreciation For Global Cultures, Rajeev Is Rewriting The Narrative Of What It Means To Be A Modern Polymath. Whether He's Mentoring Young Doctors In Lebanon, Designing Statement Pieces That Fund Social Causes, Or Advocating For Marginalized Voices In The Fashion Industry, One Thing Is Clear: His Legacy Is The Impact He Leaves Behind.

- BY ESHIKA CHOPRA

Hi Rajeev, welcome to L'Officiel India. Storytelling is a key part of both fashion and humanitarian work. How do you use narratives—whether in medicine, advocacy, or design—to create awareness and inspire change?

Thank you for having me and featuring my new Indian Western fusion collection. We will debut the collection during the Cannes Film Festival this year.

I've had the opportunity to volunteer in some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Amongst them are Ukraine, Sudan, and Iraq. With dwindling funds/donations for the most vulnerable population, I had to create more innovative ways to help support my patients and support causes important to me. We work through my non-profit chiraj.org

If you could design a fashion line inspired by your humanitarian work, what elements or themes would you incorporate into your designs?

It is impossible not to feel pain and despair when one thinks about what these impoverished people have gone through. This is reflected in my humanitarian designs to bring awareness to the uninitiated in the rest of the world. Bravery and all the profits from some of my designs go back to supporting humanity.

Your career bridges the worlds of medicine, fashion, and humanitarian work—fields that may seem vastly different. What's the common thread that ties them together for you?