Today we’d like to introduce you to Raj Patel

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I embarked on my fashion journey over 13 years ago, driven by a deep passion for design and a desire to express creativity through clothing. Fashion has always been more than just a career; it’s a calling that energizes me and brings immense joy.

Early Beginnings:

I began my career in the vibrant city of Surat, India, where I gained valuable experience as a Textile Designer at Digi Expo. This role allowed me to hone my skills in textile embellishments and design concepts while managing yarn and textile production processes. My time there was instrumental in shaping my understanding of the intricacies involved in fabric design and production.

Educational Pursuits:

To deepen my expertise, I pursued an Advanced Certificate in Fashion Design at Wigan and Leigh College in Surat, India, where I excelled with a GPA of 3.85. Here, I launched the 2017 Fresh Bridal Collection and designed garments for prestigious events like Lakme Fashion Week.

Subsequently, I completed my BFA in Fashion Design & Product Development at Columbia College Chicago, graduating with a GPA of 3.77. This education equipped taught me fashion design techniques, including leather molding, hand embroidery, laser cutting, beading, textile manipulation, pattern making, and digital printing.

Professional Experience:

My professional journey has been marked by various roles and collaborations that have enriched my skills and broadened my horizons:

Assistant Fashion Designer at Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla in Mumbai, India, where I crafted garments for Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra and international icons such as Beyoncé. This role showcased my versatility and creativity in celebrity garment design.

Teacher Assistant in Fashion Visual Arts at Columbia College Chicago, where I provided educational support, troubleshooting guidance, and visual merchandising assistance, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Junior Fashion Designer and Illustrator at Mira Couture in Chicago, IL, where I developed tech packs, collaborated on design execution, and managed marketing strategies to boost engagement and conversions.

Art and Creative Director at Karmic Couture in Chicago, IL, where I led the creation of unique themes for fashion campaigns, photoshoots, and collections. I have designed four collections since 2021 and have been featured in prestigious fashion shows and publications like Harper’s Bazaar and BOF.

Notable Achievements:

Featured Designer in two prestigious Fashion Shows in New York in 2024, showcasing innovative designs.
Headlined eight Fashion Shows in Chicago throughout 2023, captivating audiences with cutting-edge collections.
Designed a custom garment for New York influencer Rafael Yau to wear to the Oscars in 2024.
Created bespoke garments for renowned celebrities, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Vision and Future Goals:

A commitment to sustainability and ethical practices has driven my journey in fashion. I am passionate about creating designs that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. As I continue to evolve in my career, I am excited to explore new collaborations and opportunities that align with my vision of fashion as an art form and a tool for self-expression.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Convincing My Parents to Pursue Fashion
One of the earliest and most personal challenges was convincing my parents to support my decision to pursue a career in fashion. Coming from a family where traditional career paths were highly valued, it was difficult to make them understand my passion for fashion as a legitimate and rewarding career. This required numerous conversations and a lot of determination to show them how committed I was to making my dream a reality. Their eventual support became a source of strength for me as I moved forward in my career and it took me 6 years took to convince them.

Breaking Into the Industry
When I started my career, breaking into the fashion industry was a significant challenge. The industry is highly competitive, and establishing myself as a designer requires a lot of perseverance and hard work. Securing my first role at Digi Expo in Surat involved countless applications and portfolio revisions, but it taught me the importance of persistence and resilience.

Cultural Transition
Moving from India to the United States for my studies at Columbia College Chicago was a major cultural transition. Adjusting to a new environment while pursuing my BFA in Fashion Design required me to adapt quickly to different design aesthetics and working styles. This experience broadened my perspective and enriched my approach to fashion design, allowing me to integrate diverse influences into my work.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My Work and Specialization
I am a passionate fashion designer specializing in creating innovative, sustainable, and ethically produced clothing. My work spans various aspects of fashion design, from conceptualization and textile creation to garment construction and fashion show curation.

Areas of Specialization:
Sustainable Fashion:
I focus on designing eco-friendly collections that prioritize sustainability. I strive to use sustainable materials and ethical production methods, aligning my work with environmentally conscious practices. This commitment to sustainability is evident in my recent collections, such as the White Winter Collection, which combines elegant white fabrics with gold chains to create a timeless yet modern aesthetic.

Textile Design:
With a background in textile design, I excel in creating unique and intricate fabric patterns. My expertise in textile manipulation and digital printing allows me to experiment with various materials and techniques, resulting in distinctive and captivating designs.

Cultural Fusion:
My designs often reflect a blend of cultural influences, drawing inspiration from my experiences in India and the United States. This fusion of styles results in collections that are both contemporary and rich in cultural heritage.

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.

Known For
I am known for my innovative approach to fashion design, combining sustainability with cutting-edge creativity. My work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and Business of Fashion (BOF), and I have participated in numerous high-profile fashion shows.

Key Achievements:
Innovative Collections:
I have designed several collections that have received critical acclaim for their creativity and sustainability. Each collection reflects my dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas while staying true to my vision and values.

Fashion Shows and Publications:
My work has been showcased in over 30 fashion shows, and I have been featured in renowned magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, Figg, Milan, Marika, New York, Vitale, San Francisco, Moevir, and Paris. These achievements highlight my reputation as a distinguished fashion influencer on a global scale.

Custom Designs for Influencers and Celebrities:
I have designed garments for notable events, such as the Oscars and the Latin Grammy, and have collaborated with influencers like Rafael Yau and Oscar Garcia. Additionally, I created bespoke garments for Nikki Haley’s Presidential Campaign, reflecting my ability to cater to diverse and high-profile clients.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I am most proud of my commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion. Creating collections that are both beautiful and environmentally responsible is deeply rewarding, and I am proud to contribute positively to the fashion industry. My work with aspiring models from Ukraine in the Frost & Gilt collection also stands out as a meaningful endeavor, supporting diversity and empowerment within the fashion world.

What Sets Me Apart
Several factors set me apart from others in the industry:

Commitment to Sustainability:
My unwavering dedication to sustainability sets me apart. I prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes, ensuring that my designs have a minimal environmental impact.

Cultural Diversity:
My multicultural background and experiences allow me to infuse my designs with a unique blend of cultural influences. This diversity enhances my ability to create designs that resonate with a global audience.

Innovative Design Techniques:
I am constantly exploring new techniques and technologies in fashion design. My expertise in digital printing, textile manipulation, and other advanced methods enables me to create innovative and eye-catching designs.

Versatility and Adaptability:
My experience working with a wide range of clients, from celebrities to influencers, has honed my ability to adapt to different styles and preferences. I am versatile in my approach, tailoring 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. This dedication, combined with perseverance, has enabled me to overcome challenges and achieve success in the competitive fashion industry.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

Fashion Design Projects
I’m open to collaborating on innovative fashion design projects that align with my vision and values. Whether it’s developing a new collection, exploring sustainable materials, or creating custom garments, I’m eager to partner with designers, brands, and organizations that share a commitment to creativity and sustainability.

Sustainable Fashion Initiatives
As a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion, I’m interested in collaborating on initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices within the industry. This could include joint projects focused on ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable production methods. Together, we can drive positive change and make a meaningful impact.

Fashion Shows and Events
I welcome opportunities to participate in fashion shows and events that showcase innovative and sustainable designs. Whether it’s organizing a runway show, collaborating on a fashion week presentation, or contributing to a themed event, I’m enthusiastic about sharing my work with diverse audiences.

Editorial and Media Collaborations
I’m interested in collaborating with fashion magazines, blogs, and media outlets to feature my collections and share my insights on design and sustainability. Collaborations could include editorial features, interviews, and photoshoots that highlight my unique approach to fashion.

Most Importantly
Purchasing and Supporting My Designs
Supporting my collections by purchasing my designs or sharing them with others who appreciate sustainable and innovative fashion is another way to contribute. Each purchase supports my commitment to creating beautiful and responsible fashion.

Pricing:

• 200
• 2500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://karmiccouture.life/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karmic_couture/
• Other: https://portfolium.com/Rajpatel2211/portfolio