Ravi Bajaj recently celebrated 25 years in the fashion industry. The year 2012 saw the maverick designer foray into interiors through Fashion Living by Ravi Bajaj — a company that designs high-end residences. The couturier talks to Priyanka Sharma about his plans and ambitions for 2013, one of which is a modern twist to the traditional sari
What does 2013 hold for your fashion label?
While 2012 wasn’t too good for business because of competition from other brands, the coming year promises to be exciting. My menswear line has undergone a revamp in keeping with the current trends. I find that men prefer to dress down for work and dress up for leisure nowadays. Even bankers don’t wear crisp formals head-to-toe anymore. That is why I am jazzing up the evening wear and making it more occasion-centric — you can now opt for a beaded velvet jacket [from my line] with shimmer if you’re going to a party. Fortunately, the Indian man is stepping out of his comfort zone and adopting a bit of razzle-dazzle and bling in his wardrobe.
What about womenswear?
One of the things I keep in mind when designing womenswear is that the woman shouldn’t feel like she’s decked up like a Christmas tree! Recently, I found inspiration in one of the saris I designed around 15 years ago. It was simple and elegant, in the classic shades of black and white. I am now introducing a new sari in the Indian market, giving the old one a contemporary twist. While it’ll continue to be black and white, the glitzy monochrome sari is embellished with peacock feathers. The sari is very easy to tie and light to wear — something that has caught on with my customers. The cocktail sari will continue to be my forte.
Any merger or collaboration on the anvil?
As far as my business is concerned, I plan to add another store to my current chain of retail outlets, depending on the reality of realty! [Laughs] Another aspect of my business that is picking up is designing uniforms for the staff of big corporations. I have already designed uniforms for Wave Infra, PVR, Volvo, Hyatt, to name a few. I plan to expand this business to West Asia, where hotels are growing by the dozen, offering great opportunities in the hospitality sector. I have already finalised a tie-up with a Dubai-based firm and will be designing uniforms for its staff.
I will also focus on “Fashion Living by Ravi Bajaj” — we are currently designing a home in Greater Kailash II in Delhi. I am already working with an architect and a builder and hope to invest my energy in this business for the next couple of years.
What is your trend forecast for 2013?
I am often at a loss for words when I am asked, “What’s going to be the trend(s) in the coming year or season?” My answer is always the same — Indians don’t take to trends too easily and are far too prudent. Any trend or fad usually takes time to permeate the Indian market. Having said that, I think we are going to see a growth spurt in fashion victims! [Laughs] Which is great for our business of course! I would advise people to not follow trends blindly. For instance, don’t take refuge behind larger-than-your-body, branded handbags. I would like to see the well-heeled Indian lady creating her own personal style.