With a reach and influence that covers three continents, Rahi Chadda has come a long way from reading law. The pivot to fashion fortunately came early for him allowing him to establish himself as a fashion expert and a ‘tastemaker’ at the age of 31. Over the last few years, he has steadily garnered the admiration of the fashion community and consumers via his social media presence.
Chadda, with his sharp features and impeccable sartorial sensibilities, has been involved in various high-profile campaigns and collaborations with well-known brands including Estée Lauder, Tom Ford, Fendi, and Prada. He pulls off gender fluid and androgynous looks with effortless integration of accessories, makeup, hair or even the ensemble itself. His work has been featured in major fashion magazines and he often attends prestigious fashion events, further cementing his status as a fashion influencer.
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In 2022, Chadda became the one of the first South Asian male ambassadors for Dior Beauty. He has become a changemaker in the fashion industry by promoting cultural exchange, diversity and representation within the industry. The London-born and raised, Chadda has Indian roots and has become a name to reckon with not only in fashion but also as a representative of the South Asian diaspora. He also has his own beauty and wellness ventures; he is the founder of Panache & Marina Skin Clinic in London.
Chadda, currently making the rounds of the fashion hot spots, from the Cannes Film Festival to Milan Fashion Week and Paris Haute Couture Week, sat down with Outlook Luxe to share his perspective on luxury fashion.
Edited excerpts:
1. How would you describe your personal style? And how has it evolved with time?
My Indian heritage weaves into my styling, which I think is presented in my jewellery. I learnt a lot from designers I’ve spoken to, stylists I’ve worked with and generally my work – I’ve seen a great shift in how I dress over the years, and for the better too! I’d describe my style as informed, yet comfortable.
2. Which luxury brands appeal to your sartorial sensibilities?
This is a tricky one, I have a love for all the brands I work with because they take so much care and time to work on their collections. But to answer your question, let’s talk about Dior Men – I love how Kim Jones, artistic director of Dior Men, adapts the house motifs and weaves them into a masculine setting. This is a challenge considering the brand started for women, and seeing those motifs and the DNA incorporate itself into menswear in a sartorial way is an accomplishment.
3. If you could style a contemporary icon in your generation, who would it be and how would you style the person?
Kim Kardashian. I love her style as it’s fun and experimental. But I’d like to see her styled in less vinyl and skin-tight pieces. I think that in the world we’re living in, those with influence have to think about what they’re essentially selling in this new economy. I think people want to see craftsmanship and longevity in their pieces, I’d like her to show some of that more than the showpieces all the time.
4. What are some of the luxury fashion brands that have caught your eye and why?
Louis Vuitton and Dior are two luxury fashion brands that have always been eye-catching to me. I’m very inspired by both houses’ rich history and commitment to bringing the best quality products with the most gorgeous designs. Both brands have their signatures that have lasted throughout their history. The LV monogram has always been so iconic, and Dior’s had some great moments in history like New Look in the 1950s and the saddle bag in the 1990s. They are two brands that will always have my eye.
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5. What is your opinion on Indian couture brands and the work of Indian fashion designers?
I absolutely love Indian couture and the work of the kaarigars working in Indian fashion design. I think there is such a large scope for fashion in Indian markets, and there’s so much creativity to be shown to the world. Designers like Gaurav Gupta and Rahul Mishra are revolutionising South Asian fashion, and bringing international attention to the innovation and artistry coming out of Indian minds.
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6. Who is your go-to Indian fashion brand?
I have been really enjoying the outfits by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla and Rohit Bal. I wore a bandhgala by Rohit Bal at Suryagarh recently, and felt such a sense of elegance in the finesse and skill of the tailoring. Also, his zardozi embroidered pieces are breathtaking. Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla’s use of textures and colours in their clothes are so stunning to look at. It is easy to appreciate their craftsmanship and artistry, especially when their pieces fit so well into the Indian landscape – not only online but also in our physical surroundings.
7. What are the must-have pieces in your closet that become the foundation for all your looks? Where did you get them?
If you asked me this question two years ago, I’d be saying flared jeans but I think I’ve evolved from that. My must-have piece is a pair of Saint Laurent boots, they’re so classic and timeless but go with everything I wear.
8. Did you imagine that you would become a leading face in global fashion for the Indian diaspora?
No, I didn’t, but I gave this line of work my dedication as it’s something I wanted to do. But I couldn’t predict what was to come, and I still can’t now. But I have to thank those who I have worked with along the way as they’ve played a part in where I am now.
9. According to you, what will be the next big thing in fashion this year?
I can’t say what will be the biggest thing in fashion this year, but I have hope that maximalist fashion and broader collections make a return to the runway!
