For this Jaipur-based designer, fashion is a form of identity. We chat with, Ruchira Nangalia, to find out more about her SS17 collection titled Fluid. A commerce graduate turned couturier, Ruchira’s work (since 2013) is centred around reclaiming her cultural identity by representing it in a contemporary form. While her previous collections sport a pronounced love for the region of Rajasthan through the use of embroideries like gotta, the latest one is a departure from those, in terms of silhouettes and cuts.“Block printing with its endless possibilities—ranging from paisley motifs or geometric designs—has always intrigued me. This time, I have used the technique to come up with an array of unconventional designs,” she explains.Though Fluid conforms to the common elements seen in the androgynous lines—such as boxy cuts and stripes—the designer brings a twist to the table by skillfully integrating frills into her creations.
Rugged charm
Highlighting a play on the rugged texture of handloom fabrics sourced from South India, Fluid features an earthy colour palette. “Raw in character, the collection brings forth an androgynous, yet feminine look,” adds the designer, who has previously worked with labels including Samant Chauhan. Expect capes, shirt dresses with uneven hemlines, jewel-embellished cowl tunics and more amongst Ruchira’s outfits.
To get the best of her take on gender-neutral designs, we recommend the three-layer dress featuring a vibrantly striped pants and a plain tunic contrasted against a thin striped sleeveless open maxi jacket. As for upcoming collections, the couturier informs us that she’s working on a line combining handwoven silk fabric with tie-and-dye techniques.