From designing film costumes for Bollywood celebs to dressing up international fashion icons like Beyonce and Paris Hilton — Rocky Star has come a long way. Having completed 30 years in the fashion industry successfully, the ace designer added a new feather in his cap by showcasing his new collection, ‘Midnight Bloom’, recently at the Milan Fashion Week. This time around, the celebrity designer focused on baroque style with floral elements that made the amalgamation hard to miss.
My Kolkata spoke to the veteran designer about his collection, experience at the Milan Fashion Week, his endeavour to inspire women with fashion and more…
My Kolkata: Congratulations on showcasing your new collection ‘Midnight Bloom’ at Milan Fashion Week! What was the experience like?
Rocky Star: Thank you very much! Participating in Milan Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience filled with creativity, hard work and attention to detail. It was a dream come true to see my intricate designs and prints come to life on the runway. Working with makeup artists, hair stylists, and models to bring my vision to life was rewarding enough. The audience response was overwhelming. Overall, it was a career-defining experience that filled me with pride and content.
Tell us what went on behind the scenes before the show…
The preparations for the Milan Fashion Week show were intense and time-consuming. Model fittings, dress and technical rehearsals were all necessary to ensure that the garments fit correctly and the show ran smoothly. Collaboration was essential and I worked closely with my team to ensure that my vision was flawlessly executed.
What’s the story and inspiration behind the name of your collection — Midnight Bloom?
I was inspired by the magic of nocturnal blooms and this collection draws upon the mystery and allure of flowers that bloom only under the cover of darkness, capturing their essence — hence, the name ‘Midnight Bloom’.
How would you describe your collection in three words?
Eclectic, dreamy and handcrafted.
Your collection features unique textures like velvets, tulles and mul — why did you choose these fabrics for your collection?
I’ve always been drawn to the luxurious textures and fabrics that suffuse our culture. The use of luxurious fabrics, such as velvet, tulle and mul have been a part of our traditional clothing for centuries and I wanted to incorporate that into my collection as well. These fabrics come in a variety of textures and styles allowing you to create a variety of looks while adding a touch of elegance and luxury to any outfit.
There are quite a few unique silhouettes along with the classic floor-length gowns with flowing bodies, what was your thought behind this?
In my opinion, fashion is an ever-changing art form that should reflect the diversity and individuality of those who wear it. I aim to push the boundaries and challenge traditional notions of what it should look like when creating unique silhouettes for my designs. By experimenting with new shapes and structures, I hope to provide my clients a variety of options for expressing their personal style and making a statement.
You used so many prints in your collection. What was your initial thought behind designing the prints, since that’s where the process begins?
When I started designing my collection, I knew that I wanted to incorporate prints that would stand out and be eye-catching. My initial thought behind designing the prints was to create a collection that was both bold and feminine, and combine the strength of animal prints with the delicacy of floral prints.
I was able to achieve a level of detail and vibrancy in the colours with the help of my design team, as without them this project wouldn’t have been possible. I was thrilled with the final result and I believe that prints were a true reflection of my vision.
You also used a lot of sequin and jewels…
I used sequins and jewels in my designs to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India and pay homage to the intricate craftsmanship of our artisans. The use of these embellishments adds a touch of glamour and luxury to my creations, while celebrating individuality and self-expression. Through my designs, I hope to inspire women to embrace their own unique style, beauty and feel confident and empowered in their own skin.
What was the audience response to your show?
Overwhelming, to say the least... It was a moment of pride for me and my team. The fusion of traditional Indian textiles and contemporary design aesthetics was well received and the ovation at the end of the show for my hard work and talent made it totally worth it. The recognition and appreciation from the international fashion community reinforced my belief in Indian fashion’s limitless potential and ability to make a mark on the global fashion industry.
What are the best parts and challenges of representing India on the global platform for fashion?
Representing India on a global fashion stage is always a thrilling opportunity to highlight the diversity and richness of our cultural heritage. It is, however, a difficult task that necessitates striking a balance between preserving traditional Indian aesthetics and incorporating modern design sensibilities. Competing in the crowded global fashion landscape requires hard work, talent, creativity and an understanding of the global fashion market — all while keeping the cultural significance in mind and avoiding cultural appropriation. It’s a rewarding experience that entails creativity, cultural sensitivity and business acumen in order to make a name for oneself in the global fashion industry.
