Today we’d like to introduce you to Rahul Wadhwani.
Rahul, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as a designer started very young. I was always interested in creative subjects and ideas and my childhood was a prime example of that. My mind has always been extremely imaginative. Instead of drawing designs on a piece of paper, I would lock them in my brain, a practice I still follow today. It was like a giant safe filled with a world of creative dreams. I spent my time in my mother’s closet imagining how I would change certain styles and silhouettes of clothing that she owned. From trying on her scarves to styling outfits for her, my mother has always been my inspiration. She always carried herself with such class and elegance, such sophistication. I would spend hours watching her get ready in fascination.
Matter of fact, all the women in my family had the same principle. Class, beauty, elegance, and grace. My family and culture have always been my inspiration, and I didn’t know how, but I always knew that I would be a designer one day. I am a big believer in the fact that if you are passionate about what you do, success is there. So I set out to bring my memories in the form of fashion to the everyday consumer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No road to success is easy. I come across challenges every day that lead me to become a stronger and more prepared version of myself. I have been in the industry for only a few years now, but I have learned how cutthroat the industry truly is. You really have to start from the bottom and work your way to the top. A position is not just given, it has to be earned through hours of hard work and dedication.
I also believe that being a person of color in the industry is not necessarily easy. I don’t see a lot of South Asian representation but that is exactly why I am here. But one thing I have learned from these challenges is that it’s not about who you are or the way you dress, it’s about how you speak and present yourself. My motto is fake it till you make it. Walk with confidence, talk with confidence, stay humble, work hard, and most importantly, treat everyone equally.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a fashion design student who hopes to have his own brand one day. I love to design womenswear clothing that encompasses the memories and culture I grew up with, all while staying timeless. I have always had a love for fabrics and draping, and that is how I get most of my ideas. As soon as I see a fabric, I’ll know exactly what to do with it. Dresses are something I love to design.
They’re versatile, simple, and comfortable. I don’t believe in trends, and I dream to create clothing that will remain timeless. Since my designs are inspired by my childhood and the world around me, my designs are individualistic. They are unique to me and my life, and that is one thing I am proud of. I express my memories through clothing, and that is what sets me apart. My experiences are my own, and I can’t wait to showcase that to the world soon!!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am a freelance designer, stylist, and creative director in the Los Angeles & Houston area. One thing I never liked to do was collaborate. I loved doing everything myself since I was such a perfectionist. But after freelancing in the industry for a while, I have realized the beauty in collaborating with people.
You can create unique and authentic ideas and they tend to be extremely rare. Collaborating is now something I absolutely love, and If anyone would like to work with me, they can check out my website rahulpwadhwani.com or email me at rahulpyaraliwadhwani@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: rahulpwadhwani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahistyles/
- Other: https://pin.it/1w2J7pu
Image Credits:
Tehben Dean, Malik Baker, Lily Tate, Heather Harpole, Cory Purnell, Model: Morganne Lilli Model, Meredith Brown, Gabriella Patterson, Kendall Dair, Rae Dominick, Amber Johnston, Natalie Kemnitz, and Jackie Okwumabua
