“Either you are Stressed or Depressed but always be Well Dressed”, Rakhi Kapoor

Rakhi loves colours, glitter and grandeur and this is quite visible in the clothes she designs. The lady started her career as a designer in the year 2007 with a store called “Brides” Designer Studio and now she is one of the most renowned couturiers of the city. In a career spanning 11 years, she has redefined bridal fashion in Jammu. TNN got a chance to sit with this wonderful woman and chat. Here are the excerpts of the conversation.

TNN: How did this all started?

Rakhi: As it is a universal truth that every girl like playing dress up but me as child liked playing dressing others up more. I spent most of my childhood years making clothes for your Barbie dolls. Fashion Magazine used to be my mood lifters. I remember one of my relative was visiting our place a day before my eleventh birthday and he asked me that same old question we ask a growing kid that what you want to become in your life and I answered “I want to be somebody who can dress up the world.” After few years, I realised that there is term for this dream called “Fashion Designer”.

TNN: What is it like to be a designer in a small city like Jammu?

Rakhi: Right now, I think the scene is over-crowded — too many stylists and too many designers. Only the best will survive and become brands. But there is an opportunity for designers to focus on niche products. So it is both good and bad.

TNN: Since you started long back when Fashion Designing was not so well exposed career option in Jammu. Did you go to any institute for learning the art?

Rakhi: No. I learnt from my experiences only.

TNN: What inspires you when you are creating your designs?

Rakhi: There is nothing like inspiration behind designing clothes. I work according to the latest trends in the market and to the need and desire of my clients.

TNN: What is your favourite part of designing clothes?

Rakhi: Making colour combinations. I just love playing with colours. I feel so alive when I blend colours and develop a beautiful combination out of it.

TNN: Your favourite fabric to work on?

Rakhi: Lycra with shine.

TNN: What matters to you most as a fashion designer?

Rakhi: As a designer, my first and foremost priority is the satisfaction of my clients. Every time when I design a dress, whether it is a couture or collection for the store, what I keep in mind is that one who buys it gets value for their money.

TNN: Who is your favourite designer?

Rakhi: Manish Malhotra. I absolutely love his simple yet classic collections.

TNN: You specialise in designing Bridal Couture. How high is the demand for custom bridal wear in Jammu?

Rakhi: Jammu is not what it is 10 years ago. The fashion logic in women here is growing very fast and so is the demand for customised bridal wear. Every girl wants to look her best on her most special day. Not only bride but other ladies of the house too, everybody want a customised dress for some special occasion, so the demand is definitely growing.

TNN: Describe your personal style?

Rakhi: Personally, I love to wear dresses which are hip and trendy and look nice on me. Also, comfort is foremost thing I always take care of whether I am designing clothes for somebody else or if it is for me.