We recently connected with Raj Patel and have shared our conversation below.
Raj, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
When I first started in the fashion industry, earning a full-time living from my creative work was far from immediate, and the path was particularly challenging due to my family’s expectations. As an only child, my parents wanted me to become an engineer and eventually take over the family business. They had a clear vision for my future, which did not include fashion. When I chose to pursue my passion instead, it was incredibly hard for me because they disowned me. This emotional and financial separation made the journey even more difficult and fueled my determination to succeed on my terms.
Key Milestones and Steps
1. Building a Strong Foundation
My formal education in fashion design was crucial in establishing my career. Earning my Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design from Wigan and Leigh College in India and later my BFA in Fashion Design & Product Development from Columbia College Chicago provided me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. These educational experiences were not just about learning fashion; they were about proving to myself and the world that I could succeed despite the lack of family support.
2. Diversifying My Skills
I made it a priority to diversify my skill set early on. From pattern making and textile design to digital printing and garment construction, I ensured that I could take on a variety of projects. This versatility was essential for building a sustainable career, especially when starting from scratch without the safety net of my family’s business.
3. Launching My Collections.
Creating and launching my collections, such as Animals Extinction, World Falling Apart, Evening Wear, and White Winter, was a major milestone. These collections brought in revenue and helped establish my brand in the industry. Each collection was a step toward proving that I could thrive in this field independently.
4. Networking and Building Relationships
Building relationships with industry professionals, mentors, and peers was key to transitioning to full-time creative work. Networking led to collaborations, fashion shows, and features in publications, all of which were instrumental in growing my career and securing consistent work. Every connection I made was a step toward overcoming the initial rejection from my family.
5. Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Participating in fashion shows, working on experiential event activations, and collaborating with other brands provided income and increased my visibility in the industry. These opportunities were crucial in establishing myself as a full-time fashion professional.
Could I Have Sped Up the Process?
Looking back, there are a few things I might have done to speed up the process:
More Aggressive Networking: Being more proactive in seeking out mentors and industry connections earlier in my career could have accelerated my progress.
Focusing on a Niche Sooner: Specializing sustainably earlier might have helped me establish my brand more quickly. This focus has become a significant part of my identity, and honing in on it sooner could have differentiated me earlier in the process.
Leveraging Social Media and Online Platforms: Utilizing social media and online platforms more effectively from the beginning could have expanded my reach and connected me with a broader audience faster.
Conclusion
Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and resilience. It wasn’t an overnight success, and the emotional toll of being disowned by my family made it even more challenging. However, through persistence, continuous learning, and strategic planning, I was able to turn my passion into a sustainable career. Knowing what I know now, there are certain steps I could have taken to speed up the process, but each phase of the journey has contributed to where I am today. Despite the hardships, I wouldn’t trade these experiences, as they have made me the designer and person I am now.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About Me
I’m Raj Patel, a passionate fashion designer with over 13 years of experience in the industry. My fashion journey was anything but typical. Growing up as the only child in a family that envisioned me following in my father’s footsteps as an engineer and eventually taking over the family business, I chose a different path. My decision to pursue fashion, a field I was deeply passionate about, led to a difficult period where my parents disowned me. This personal challenge fueled my determination to succeed independently, turning my passion into a full-time career.
How I Got Into Fashion
My love for fashion began at a young age, driven by a fascination with how clothing can be a powerful form of self-expression. Despite my parents’ expectations, I was drawn to the creativity and artistry involved in fashion design. I pursued formal education in this field, earning an Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design from Wigan and Leigh College in Surat, India, and later, a BFA in Fashion Design & Product Development from Columbia College Chicago. These experiences solidified my commitment to the craft and equipped me with the skills needed to make a mark in the industry.
What I Do
I specialize in creating innovative, sustainable, and ethically produced fashion. My work spans various aspects of the industry, including:
Sustainable Fashion Collections: I design eco-friendly collections that prioritize sustainability. My recent collection, Frost & Gilt, exemplifies this approach by blending elegant white fabrics with gold chains, creating a timeless yet modern aesthetic.
Textile Design: With a background in textile design, I create unique fabric patterns and manipulate textiles to develop distinctive and captivating designs.
High Fashion and Celebrity Design: I have designed custom garments for high-profile clients, including Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra and international icons such as Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez. These experiences have honed my skills in creating bespoke designs that cater to the unique preferences and styles of my clientele.
Creative Direction: I offer creative direction for fashion shows, editorial content, and brand campaigns, ensuring that each project aligns with the brand’s vision and aesthetic.
Problems I Solve for Clients
Customization and Personalization: I provide bespoke fashion solutions that cater to individual client needs, whether they are high-profile celebrities or fashion-conscious consumers. My ability to create custom garments ensures that each piece is unique and reflective of the client’s personality and style.
Sustainable Fashion Solutions: For environmentally conscious clients, I offer sustainable fashion options that minimize environmental impact. This includes sourcing eco-friendly materials, implementing ethical production practices, and designing timeless pieces that transcend fast fashion trends.
Creative Vision and Execution: I help brands and clients translate their creative visions into reality. From conceptualization to final production, I ensure that every detail aligns with the desired outcome, whether it’s for a fashion show, a photoshoot, or a product launch.
What Sets Me Apart
Several factors set me apart in the fashion industry:
Commitment to Sustainability: My unwavering dedication to sustainability is a cornerstone of my work. I prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes, ensuring that my designs are both beautiful and responsible.
Cultural Fusion: My multicultural background allows me to infuse my designs with a blend of cultural influences, creating pieces that resonate with a global audience.
Versatility and Adaptability: My experience working with a diverse range of clients, from celebrities to influencers, has honed my ability to adapt to different styles and preferences. This versatility allows me to tailor my designs to meet the unique needs of each client.
Passion and Perseverance: My passion for fashion drives me to continuously innovate and push boundaries. Despite the challenges I’ve faced, including being disowned by my family, I’ve remained committed to my craft and have built a successful career through perseverance and hard work.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am most proud of my commitment to creating sustainable and ethically produced fashion. My work not only reflects my values but also contributes to the broader movement toward environmentally responsible fashion. Additionally, my ability to establish a successful career independently, despite the personal challenges I faced, is a source of great pride.
What I Want Potential Clients/Followers/Fans to Know
Quality and Craftsmanship: Every piece I design is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest quality and craftsmanship.
Innovation and Creativity: I am constantly exploring new ideas and techniques to create designs that are both innovative and timeless.
Client-Centric Approach: My work is driven by a deep understanding of my clients’ needs and desires. I collaborate closely with each client to ensure that the final product exceeds their expectations.
Sustainability at the Core: My commitment to sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of my brand. I believe in creating fashion that is not only beautiful but also kind to the planet.
Global Perspective: My multicultural background and experiences have given me a unique perspective that informs my designs, making them relevant and appealing to a global audience.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Provide Accessible Funding and Grants
One of the biggest challenges for artists and creatives is securing the financial resources needed to pursue their work. Society can support creatives by providing accessible funding opportunities, such as grants, fellowships, and low-interest loans specifically designed for artists. These resources can help cover the costs of materials, studio space, and living expenses, allowing artists to focus on their craft without the constant pressure of financial instability.
Create Affordable Workspaces and Housing
The cost of living and workspace is a significant barrier for many creatives. Society can support artists by developing affordable housing and studio spaces in urban areas, where creatives can live and work without being priced out by rising rents. Initiatives like artist residency programs and subsidized co-working spaces can also provide essential support.
Promote Arts Education and Mentorship
Investing in arts education at all levels is vital for nurturing the next generation of creatives. Society can support this by ensuring that schools offer robust arts programs, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater. Additionally, creating mentorship opportunities where established artists can guide and inspire emerging talent is crucial for fostering a thriving creative community.
Cultivate a Culture of Appreciation for the Arts
Society should actively work to cultivate a culture that values and appreciates the arts. This can be done by encouraging attendance at galleries, theaters, concerts, and festivals, and by integrating arts into public spaces. When the arts are seen as a vital part of community life, it helps to build a supportive environment for creatives to flourish.
Support Fair Pay and Economic Rights for Artists
It’s essential that society recognizes the economic value of creative work and ensures that artists are compensated fairly. This includes advocating for policies that protect artists’ rights, such as intellectual property laws, and ensuring that creatives receive fair wages for their work. Supporting fair trade practices and ethical sourcing in creative industries can also help ensure that artists are not exploited.
6. Encourage Public and Private Sector Collaboration
Collaboration between the public and private sectors can play a significant role in supporting the creative ecosystem. Governments can partner with businesses to fund public art projects, sponsor cultural events, and provide tax incentives for companies that support the arts. This collaboration can help create a more sustainable and vibrant creative economy.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts
A thriving creative ecosystem is diverse and inclusive. Society can support this by ensuring that artists from all backgrounds have equal access to opportunities, resources, and platforms. This includes promoting the work of underrepresented artists and ensuring that arts institutions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
Foster International Exchange and Collaboration
Art thrives on cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Society can support this by promoting international artist exchange programs, residencies, and collaborations that allow creatives to share ideas and techniques across borders. This global perspective enriches the creative ecosystem and fosters innovation.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to express my ideas, emotions, and perspectives through my work and see it resonate with others. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a concept or vision from my mind and bringing it to life in a way that connects with people on a deeper level.
When I create a piece—whether it’s a garment, a collection, or a textile design—and see someone respond to it with excitement, inspiration, or even a sense of empowerment, it’s a powerful affirmation of the impact art can have. Knowing that my work can evoke emotions, tell stories, or even inspire others to see the world differently is truly rewarding.
Additionally, the journey of continuous learning and exploration that comes with being creative is deeply satisfying. The process of experimenting with new techniques, pushing boundaries, and evolving my craft keeps my passion alive and allows me to grow not only as an artist but as a person.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect is the ability to contribute something unique and meaningful to the world and to leave a lasting impression through my creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karmiccouture.life/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karmic_couture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj2211/
- Other: Portfolium :- https://portfolium.com/Rajpatel2211/portfolio
Image Credits
Designer 👨🎨 @karmic_couture @rajpatel7
Photograph 📸 @twistedmuse.co @remphotography__ @davidiangrant @belamatrix @kanthanclips @kanthan_dot @ac_photography_chicago
Model 💃🏻 @_____linamalina_____ @alexandrametrou @pausuarezc @gracie_kass @_eye.ris_ @anna_ball3rina @missoliviapolicastro @misslilymaya @alyssacraig7 @alianaglory @_alinapodar_ @marykaminskaa @mirabellaj_ @lovelichka_ua @vikessaa
Styled by: @mayaonstyle