Raghavendra Rathore is an Indian luxury lifestyle designer, creative director, chief design officer and a hotelier.[2][3][4] He is also the founder of the bespoke brand Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur that has made a mark on the fashion scene for being solely responsible for putting the Jodhpuri Bandhgala and Jodhpuri Breeches on the global stage.[2][3][4] He has his name in luxury bespoke menswear, Mr. Rathore was one of the Indian Designers to coin his namesake label as a ‘Made in India’ brand, translating traditional Indian ensembles for the global clientele such as the Emir of Qatar, Duchess of York, actors like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Mr. Saif Ali Khan and sportspersons like Mr. Virat Kohli.[1][5] His costume designs for Hollywood movies like "The Gray Man" and Bollywood films like Oh my God, Eklavya & Khoobsurat.[6]
Raghavendra Rathore | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Parsons School of Design, New York |
| Occupation | Fashion designer |
| Labels |
|
| Spouse | Kavita Singh |
Raghavendra Rathore has been awarded in 2012 by Government of Rajasthan for his contribution in the field of fashion design.[7]
Personal life
editBorn on 7 October 1967, and raised in Jodhpur,[1] Mr. Rathore is a descendent of Rao Jodha, the founder of the city.[8] Coming from a royal lineage stretching back over 800 years, his childhood was steeped in rich customs and culture.[9] His mother is related to the Maharaja of Kashmir’s family, and has had an immense role to play in nurturing his creativity, sense of aesthetics and value for culture and heritage in his early years.[8] Mr. Rathore is also the cousin of Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, and the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh’s (MAHARAJA OF JAIPUR SAWAI MANSINGH’S) sister.[10]
Education and career
editHe studied and worked in the US for about a decade.[11] He then studied arts and philosophy at the Marlboro College in Vermont, and went on to graduate from the Parsons School of Design in New York City, in 1992.[10] After graduating from Parsons, Rathore went to work for Donna Karan as an assistant designer for DKNY.[1] Rathore also worked in Paris with de la Renta as an assistant, when de la Renta was hired to design for the house of Pierre Balmain.[12] Taking inspiration from Royal family's legacy, he molded it into the foundation for his future brand. With the inspiration of his illustrious family and his grand-aunt, Maharani Gayatri Devi (born as Princess Gayatri Devi of Cooch Behar; 23 May 1919 − 29 July 2009), he was drawn to the world of fashion at an early age, that has led to a flourishing career in the industry.[8]
Brands
editLaunching his first brand in 1994, Mr. Raghavendra Rathore started with his tailored womenswear label and a decade later chose to launch Raghavendra Rathore Jodhpur, a menswear brand which is known globally for its classic bespoke tailored clothing.[1] Considered a lifestyle merchant, he is best known for resurrecting the ‘Brand India’ strategy, by elevating heritage men’s clothing to wardrobe staples. Tracing its roots from - but not restricted to - a regal ethnic ethos, the brand is credited with giving new life to the relic Bandhgala jacket (a high collared jacket or suit with front button closure, also called a Nehru Jacket).[8]
Starting from humble beginnings in Jodhpur, the brand has grown to have international recognition. Working selectively with Bollywood movies, top celebrities and projects related to design from all walks of life such as interiors and uniform design, the brand designed 30 looks for Amitabh Bachchan for TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati. In his course of work, he has also interacted with people like Jacqueline Onassis, Elinor Lampard, and Maharani Gayatri Devi on account of the work that he used to do for Oscar de la Renta.[13][8] Mr. Rathore also launched his ready-to-wear label, RR Blue,[2] a line of contemporary and festive aesthetics’ targeted at the millennial individual.[14]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Raghavendra Rathore: Redesigning Tailored Luxury". Forbes India.
- ^ a b c d Rana, Varun (24 January 2022). "Raghavendra Rathore's quiet RTW brand". The Hindu.
- ^ a b Shah, Gayatri Rangachari (29 June 2018). "Raghavendra Rathore on his partnership with Ermenegildo Zegna". The Hindu.
- ^ a b Murthy, Neeraja (9 December 2016). "Raghavendra Rathore on his new venture in the city". The Hindu.
- ^ "#Designermusing: Raghavendra Rathore- The man who revived classic Bandhgala - Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ "Raghavendra Rathore designs Fawad's look in 'Khoobsurat'". The Indian Express. 23 July 2014.
- ^ "Raghavendra Rathore awarded by Rajasthan govt - Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ a b c d e "Zegna's investment in Raghavendra Rathore's brand could give fashion giant insight into lucrative but tricky Indian market". Firstpost. 15 January 2020.
- ^ "Raghavendra Rathore of Jodhpur royal family to set up design school". theweek.in.
- ^ a b "Raghavendra Rathore launches brand new edits from ready-to-wear line RR Blue". The New Indian Express.
- ^ Traveller, Outlook. "Insider tips about how to travel in Rajasthan from Raghavendra Rathore, the fashion designer from Jodhpur". OutlookIndia.
- ^ "The modern royal: Raghavendra Rathore". www.telegraphindia.com.
- ^ "Haute homme: Designer Raghavendra Rathore speaks on his latest range". The New Indian Express.
- ^ "Reliance Industries buys into fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore's firm". VCCircle. 5 July 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2018.