Ravi Bajaj: Remaining grounded

When he started out as a designer in 1987, India was an economy still on the verge of liberalisation — a time when owning two pairs of shoes was considered more than enough. Twenty-five years later, the lifestyles and outlooks of Indians have evolved greatly, says designer Ravi Bajaj. “It’s been quite a journey… When I started out, there were very few brands offering ready-to-wear garments. I’ve been fortunate to be classified as a neo-classicist — I rely a lot on technique and solid perception and always keep one foot on the ground. The challenge is to constantly evolve,” he explains.

The designer, who has showcased abroad, feels that unfortunately Indian fashion hasn’t got the recognition it deserves. “It remains more about surface ornamentation, embroidery and tie-and-dye. Desi designers who retail abroad are catering to the Indian diaspora. I don’t think we are selling on Fifth Avenue yet,” he laments. However, Ravi is glad that Indian fashion today is not Bollywood-centric. “There was a time when people wanted to emulate Sadhna’s hair or Dev Anand’s style. The film industry doesn’t have an authority over fashion like it used to…”

Being one of the few to design for both women and men, he says that the menswear market is not just large but also the fastest growing segment. “Men finally feel it’s time to indulge themselves, in fact there are more males shopping in the malls in New Delhi than women,” he adds with a smile. Aside from his fashion projects, Ravi has been focusing on his interior works. “Last year I tied up with a building company to design residences in Delhi. They’re ideal for someone who likes to cook and entertain with the kitchen as the focal point,” he says.

To mark his silver jubilee in the industry, Chivas will host a party tonight for the designer, that will feature all things that Ravi loves — fashion, wine, food and music. “After the celebration in the capital last month, I’m having a small presentation in Mumbai to introduce the future look of the brand. From casual wear, we are going to focus more on occasion and evening wear. I’ll also be reinventing one of my most noticed black and white saris that I created 15 years ago,” he says.