Ravi Bajaj celebrating 21 years of impeccable design

Company Brief

New Delhi, December 24, 2008

On December 13 2008, Ravi Bajaj, master couturier and trend-setter extraordinaire, completed 21 successful years as one of India’s preeminent fashion designers. Bajaj, whose entrée into the world of fashion began when he launched his eponymous label – a menswear collection –, in 1987, was one of the few visionaries to offer couture to the Indian market, at a time when it was merely a fledgling concern in the fashion industry. Today, he is heralded for his innovative silhouettes, his penchant for marrying traditional shapes with Western sensibilities, and his meticulous finishes. On the heels of this significant anniversary, Bajaj is far from slowing down – in fact, the designer has recently debuted his much-acclaimed poncho sari, is gearing up for the launch of his wine bar, and has just returned from a multi-city showing of his latest collections, in stylish global locations.

Bajaj’s two-decade career has progressed remarkably over the years; however he has always remained one of India’s most extraordinary minds. He was one of the first Indian designers to focus completely on menswear, and possibly one of the only Indian designers even today to produce his clothing in Europe – his entire menswear line is created in Italy, and he sources shoulder pads from a supplier tucked away in a quiet region of France. Since expanding to include women’s clothing, the house of Ravi Bajaj is credited for giving new dimension and definition to the sari, a garment which had until now maintained a more-or-less standard silhouette since its inception.

New for autumn/winter, Bajaj’s collection includes poncho saris with Grecian trails, reversible jackets, cut-work sherwanis, and more. A stunning trousseau range offers brides-to-be a globally-influenced mix of lightweight, A-line lehengas, tie-back tops and sarees in shades of champagne, rust, royal blue, burgundy, ivory and mauve. Bajaj’s carefully sourced fabrics are embellished with net shadowing, sequins and intricate embroidery. Sherwanis, kurtas and bundhgalas in silks and wool, replete with ornamental buttons, pin tucks and other textures are available for grooms.

Bajaj’s sartorial interests extend beyond couture; the designer has been called upon by several global firms to design new uniforms for their staff, in a bid to create an entirely new image. These include Jet Air; Taj Business Hotels; Group Four Security; PVR cinemas; and the countrywide chain of Apollo Hospitals. Currently, Bajaj is designing uniforms for the staff at the Mumbai Airport.

Additionally, Bajaj, who admits to an interest in interior design, has been instrumental in designing all his stores, including the three-level Ravi Bajaj Emporio in Delhi. The store, which showcases his clothing, also offers shoppers a roof-top café as part of Bajaj’s efforts to expand beyond just fashion, into the lifestyle realm.

The globe-trotting designer – he regularly shows abroad and has participated in the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Moscow – will soon launch a much-awaited wine bar in a prominent Delhi location. A lifestyle connoisseur with a passion for food, fashion, films, and wine, Bajaj is also very interested in singing and is undergoing training for the same. “21 years in the business is a remarkable achievement and one which I am certainly proud of,” Bajaj says. “As for the future, I’m looking forward to another, highly successful 21 year run – what more could I ask for?

For further information, please contact:

R&PM: Edelman

Ambereen Ali Shah

E-mail: ambereen.shah@edelman.com

Mobile: +91 9717022731