Sustainable is the mood of the season, and it was amply visible this week when Bodice made a much-anticipated return to the runway with a standalone showcase for its Spring Summer 2025 collection last week in New Delhi. This collection is a profound exploration of self-discovery and transformation, blending India’s textile heritage with Japanese influences.
The collection was marked for being rooted in a local ethos, designed for the warm weather ahead, featuring breathy ensembles that would easily translate from a work atmosphere to travel to a more relaxed environment. The significant change that progressive designers have displayed is providing solutions to comfort, and a wardrobe that supports the busy life the women and men of today lead. Bodice has done this both through conceptualisation and textile innovation.
The collection featured Bemberg by Asahi Kasei, a 100% regenerated cellulose fiber, cupro crafted from cotton linter. Biodegradable and breathable, it served both as a medium and a muse, offering a foundation for the collection’s creativity. Every fabric has been chosen with intention, not just for its texture but for the hands and stories behind it, reinforcing Bodice’s commitment to modern design with conscious craftsmanship.
Outlook Luxe caught up with Ruchika Sachdeva, Founder & Creative Director to share insights into the inspirations, techniques, and creative philosophy shaping this collection.
Tell us about the principal directives under which your collection was conceptualised.
At Bodice, the foundation has always been about designing with intention. I like to start every collection with questions rather than answers, about time, change, and how people live in their clothes. We value adaptability, longevity, and the idea that garments should evolve with you, not just for a season but over time. For me, form follows function, and I am constantly refining what the “Bodice” signature means, whether it’s through tailoring, pleats, or structure—while allowing space for experimentation and instinct. It’s about building wardrobes, not just collections.
What are essentials for a modern man and woman’s wardrobe?
Essentials today are less about ticking boxes and more about how a garment integrates into the multiple roles we play. I think for the modern woman, a tailored shirt, a versatile dress, and separates that transition from day to night without fuss are indispensable. Pieces that are quiet yet distinctive, which don’t demand attention but hold their own—those are essentials. As for a modern man, being a feminist is essential.
What are wardrobe concerns that you look at solving with your clothing lines?
One of my key concerns is modularity and designing garments that adapt to different needs and moments. I’m interested in creating pieces that offer versatility, like jackets with adjustable lengths or dresses that seamlessly convert into tops. It’s about giving the wearer agency, allowing them to style a piece in multiple ways without compromising on aesthetics. I think my main focus is on honouring the female body, how my clothes can flatter different forms and highlight strengths and individuality.
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Tell us about your sourcing and materials?
Sourcing is one of my favourite parts of the design process as it is where the story of a garment begins. I approach it with the same care one might give to understanding where their food is grown, which I grow in my own farm. I love travelling to meet artisans, observing how materials are made at each stage—right from the fibre to the yarn to the finished fabric. There’s something deeply grounding about witnessing that transformation firsthand. It reminds me to stay thoughtful about what we choose to work with, and how those choices affect not just the garment but the people and environments behind it.
Where do you see the fashion industry moving towards right now?
I think we’re entering a period of necessary questioning—of established norms, traditional formats, and the pace at which we create. From how collections are showcased to how inventory is managed; there’s a shift towards more mindful practices. The industry is becoming more open to alternative trajectories and is paying closer attention to detail—not just in design, but in process, community, and sustainability. It’s a promising direction, one that allows for more accountability and flexibility.
Three Style Inspirations?
I find inspiration in the everyday and real women navigating real lives. There’s something incredibly compelling about personal style that feels lived-in and intuitive. I’m drawn to people who express individuality with ease, who dress for themselves rather than trends, and who carry an understated confidence in how they present themselves.
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How are you inclusive and sustainable as a brand?
Inclusion and sustainability are not add-ons for us, they are built into how we think and work. We celebrate all body types and genders, and we question the impact our processes have on the environment, the people who make our clothes, and those who wear them. For us, sustainability is about responsibility at every level- material, method, and mindset. It’s about designing with care and creating pieces that last, both in quality and relevance.
