Mumbai: Ravi Bajaj, often referred to as the "Armani of India," has profoundly influenced the Indian fashion industry with his innovative designs and commitment to quality. Inspired by fashion since the age of 15, Bajaj embarked on a journey to transform haute couture in India. His path led him to the prestigious American College in London, where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for style.

From launching the groundbreaking 'Cocktail Sari' in 1991 to introducing the accessible 'Raviver' line in 1997, Bajaj has consistently bridged the gap between traditional and modern fashion. With a design philosophy that prioritizes minimalism and practicality, Bajaj continues to inspire through his meticulous craftsmanship and diverse creative influences.

Indiantelevision.com caught up with founder & fashion designer Ravi Bajaj to learn more about his fashion design journey and gain deeper insights into his label.

Edited Excerpts:

On your inspiration to venture into fashion designing

My inspiration to venture into fashion began when I was about 15 or 16 years old, an era influenced by iconic bands, the glitz of "Saturday Night Fever," and vibrant cultural scenes. I was captivated by the unique styles and costumes these influences spotlighted.

During this time, we often hosted private parties at home, which became my playground for fashion experimentation. Every weekend, I would design a new shirt or outfit from unusual fabrics. I scoured markets for inexpensive yet striking materials like lining taffeta with its beautiful shine. Collaborating with a tailor, I brought my visions to life, creating distinctive and interesting pieces each time.

My creations didn't go unnoticed. People appreciated my unique style, and friends encouraged me to take my passion seriously. Their support and recognition fueled my desire to pursue fashion, setting me on the path to becoming a fashion designer.

On the key elements that define the Ravi Bajaj label's aesthetic, and its differentiating aspect from competitors

The Ravi Bajaj label is defined by its commitment to minimalism and wearable luxury. I firmly believe that "less is more," and that achieving minimalism, while seemingly simple, is much more challenging than mastering maximalism. My design philosophy centers on creating pieces that embody practicality and sophistication.

Unlike many Indian designers who often embrace a "more is less" approach, my focus is on balancing creativity with functionality. I value creative expression, but I am always willing to temper my designs to ensure they remain practical and wearable. This approach sets the Ravi Bajaj label apart in the Indian fashion industry, emphasising both elegance and everyday usability.

On the creative process behind the iconic 'Cocktail Sari' introduced in 1991, and 'Raviver' launched in 1997, and the impact it had on the Indian fashion market

The creative process behind the iconic 'Cocktail Sari,' introduced in 1991, and 'Raviver,' launched in 1997, reflects my journey from designing Western styles to redefining Indian fashion. Initially, my career focused on European-style clothing for both men and women. At that time, Western silhouettes were not widely embraced by Indian women, who preferred traditional Indian suits and silhouettes.

However, I noticed that while women appreciated the tailored gowns and Western styles I offered, they sought to incorporate these elements into their traditional attire. This observation led to the creation of the 'Cocktail Sari,' which combined the elegance of a Western gown with the classic form of a sari. The fusion of these styles resonated deeply with my clients and became quite popular. The 'Cocktail Sari' marked a significant shift in the Indian fashion market, bridging the gap between Western and traditional Indian wear.

In 1997, I launched 'Raviver' (meaning "revival" in French) in response to the limited fashion options available in India at the time. The fashion scene was dominated by small boutiques and a few multi-brand outlets, primarily in Delhi. 'Raviver' aimed to offer a more accessible and affordable line of fashion, designed for easy wear and broader distribution. By collaborating with Shoppers Stop, we ensured our designs reached a larger audience across major metropolitan areas. This marked a pivotal shift in the Indian fashion market, making contemporary fashion more accessible to the masses.

On the designers and fashion houses who have influenced your work the most

Throughout my career, several renowned designers have significantly influenced me. French designers, with their emphasis on taste and elegance, have shaped my aesthetic. Italian designers like Giorgio Armani have inspired me with their understated chic and universal appeal. From Japan, Yohji Yamamoto's exceptional ability to structure garments with profound simplicity has left a lasting impression.

Currently, I am particularly impressed by Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Mishra, and Amit Agarwal. Each of these designers brings a unique and individualistic approach to fashion that resonates with me. Their distinct perspectives and innovative designs continue to influence and inspire my work.

On maintaining uncompromising quality while balancing traditional Indian elements with modern design in your collections

Maintaining uncompromising quality while balancing traditional Indian elements with modern design comes naturally to me. From the early stages of my career, I have prioritised practicality and quality over aesthetics. For me, these principles are fundamental, and I ensure they are integral to my designs. By focusing on these core values, I seamlessly blend traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating collections that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

On your passions for art, culinary pursuits, and music influencing your fashion creations

Food, art, fashion, and music all cater to the five senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—and together they nourish the soul. They influence my fashion creations by enriching the sensory experience and adding depth to my designs.

On incorporating live singing into your fashion shows enhancing the overall experience for your audience

Incorporating live singing into my fashion shows has created a unique and immersive experience for the audience. I take great pride in being one of the few designers to have done this. The idea emerged during the pandemic when live performances were limited. With the help of a musician friend who provided the music tracks, I was able to add a personal and memorable touch to the shows, making them truly special.

On upcoming projects or collaborations in the pipeline, and your future plans for the brand

We’re thrilled to be working on a new wedding wear label, set to debut in November 2024. This upcoming collection promises to bring a fresh and captivating twist to bridal fashion.