Bandhini jumpsuits and boho capes: Ruchi Kanoi's new line-up could sort your music festival wardrobe

The reason festive fusion wear will never go out of fashion is that our designers keep making phenomenal edits to luxury, contemporary-inspired fusion dressing, leaving us quite helpless against the power of another chic pre-stitched sari. Take Kolkata-based designer Ruchi Kanoi, for instance. The designer has been making her sartorial vision into a reality for eight years now, and her stunning modern detailing and boho aesthetic make her newest line-up so very relevant.

The designer has re-defined edgy festive dressing, as her experimental numbers are not just easy occasion wear, but features some funky and wearable styling which Gen-Z is always looking for. 

Be it her bandhani jumpsuits featuring mirror embellishments or her asymmetrical wrap kaftans, you can wear Kanoi’s newest collection to Diwali or to your next music festival outing. But curating a line-up which actually holds the attention of the younger crowd isn’t easy, especially in the Instagram age. So how does the designer do it? We caught up with Kanoi to explore the secrets behind her inspirations:

Tell us about your new collection. What does it feature?

Our new collection is all about easy-to-wear and easy-pick-up fusion wear, in bold festive colours with mostly hand-embroidered embellishments; they are suitable for all ages and hopefully most pockets! 

When did you start your label?

I have been designing clothes for more than eight years now. Initially, it was more of a part-time venture. It’s only very recently that we re-branded into our current label Ruchi Kanoi. 

Tell us how you've evolved as a designer in the last few years?

Designing requires a lot of earnestness at every step. When I started out initially, we took some time to understand what the customers wanted - the client today is very picky whatever the price may be. So now we work in a more innovative and carefully planned way.

Your brand has a fusionist approach. Tell us about that

Fusion wear is something I have always loved to design. Today, very rarely do urban Indians need or want too many traditional Indian outfits, what with the changing lifestyles of the young and the not-so-young. And capes, drapes, pre-stitched saris, jumpsuits, crop tops with deconstructed dhoti skirts, are easily wearable in most cocktail and family occasions. They are fuss-free, stylish and make a statement.

What are some of your bestsellers?

This season my mirror embellished jumpsuits have been a real hit in and outside the city. It's hip, flattering for all body types and very easy on the pockets. It’s the perfect attire for a cards party this Diwali or for a mehendi function.

My crop tops with attached drapes in monotones have also been a bestseller. Apart from this my bandhani jumpsuits and capes always do well, partly because we get the bandhani designed especially for us from Ahmadabad.

Tell us about your clients. Is it mostly young people, or is it a diverse crowd?

We have always tried to cater to a mixed crowd. From monotone threadwork in shirts, capes and kaftans for the elegant lot, to jumpsuits and crop tops with drape dhotis for the young, we have a diverse client diary!

Are you planning something new?

We are now mainly trying new bandhani designs, using them for separates with organza jackets as coordinates. We are also making a range of traditional shararas in monotone with zari embroidery, all in a very affordable price range.

Can you tell us a little about your price range?

My current collection is all under 18,000. Yes I know it’s astonishing!