A Journey Begins
As a student of B.Sc. Fashion Design at the ICAT College of Design and Media, I have always believed that fashion is more than fabric – it's storytelling. My project, Reet aur pratibimb (tradition and reflection), was born from a deep emotional connection with Rajasthan. The desert's resilience, the grandeur of its forts, and the delicate intricacy of its crafts became my muse.
This was not just about creating clothes. It was about translating centuries of heritage into a modern six-look collection that could walk the runway while carrying the whispers of tradition.
Figure 1. A mood board reflecting Rajasthan signature styles.
Getting into Rajasthan's Soul
Before sketching a single silhouette, I immersed myself in Rajasthan's culture. My research went beyond garments:
- Architecture: Forts, temples, and palaces with their ornate carvings and arches.
- Motifs: Lotus, peacock, camel, elephant, pots, and temple structures.
- Textiles: Ajrakh, Leheriya, Bandhani, each with its own rhythm and story.
The week-long exploration gave me a foundation. I was not just borrowing motifs; I was learning their meaning, their place in history, and their emotional resonance.
Mood Board
My mood board became a tactile explosion of ideas. It was not just visual. It was textured, layered, and alive. Techniques like mirror work, appliqué, hand embroidery, and thread work were pinned alongside sketches and colour swatches. It was a map of my creative journey, guiding me through every stage of design.
Figure 2. An inspiration board.
The Collection: Six Looks, Two Narratives
I wanted balance – three looks for men and three for women – each one a dialogue between tradition and modernity.
- Women's wear: Jackets, skirts, corsets, and bodycon dresses infused with Rajasthani craft.
- Men's wear: Corsets, shirts, pants, and coats reimagined with sharp tailoring and heritage accents.
Each garment was designed to feel like a conversation between past and present, where traditional motifs met contemporary silhouettes.
Colours and Fabrics
Sourcing fabrics was an adventure. I travelled to Delhi in search of authentic textiles. Ajrakh prints, Leheriya waves, and Bandhani dots became the backbone of my collection.
My palette reflected Rajasthan's vibrancy:
- Base colours: Ivory and silver for elegance and neutrality.
- Accents: Red, blue, yellow, orange, pink, green, terracotta, brown, and black – each echoing the desert sunsets, temple murals, and festive spirit of the region.
Figure 3. Traditional textiles of Rajasthan.
The technical stage was where creativity met discipline. From pattern-making to fabric-cutting, every step demanded precision. Multiple fittings ensured comfort and proportion.
Challenges arose – fabric wastage, time management, design corrections – but each obstacle sharpened my skills. I learned that fashion design is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity.
Art of Adaptability
Not every design worked as planned. Some pieces were altered midway after evaluating their visual impact and functionality. This taught me the importance of flexibility. Fashion is not static and it evolves.
Working on both men's and women's garments also expanded my understanding of body structures and construction techniques, making me a more versatile designer.
The final showcase was unforgettable. Women shimmering in mirror capes and jackets, and men sharp in tailored coats walked the ramp. The garments were not just clothes; they were stories in motion.
Figure 4. Cultural Influence on Western attire in Rajasthan.
Adjudged the Best Project
When the judges announced the Best Project Award for Reet aur pratibimb, I felt immense gratitude. The award was not just for me – it was a tribute to the artisans of Rajasthan whose heritage became my canvas.
Figure 5. Best Project Award at Graduation Showcase 2026.
This project taught me that fashion is the most intimate form of storytelling. It is about weaving emotions, culture, and craft into something people can wear and feel. Reet aur pratibimb was not just a collection – it was a narrative of resilience, heritage, and modernity. Fashion is not just design.
