Vaishali S takes Paris runway by storm, again! – Times of India

Vaishali S Couture made a return to the coveted Paris Haute Couture Week with her latest collection Rutva. The collection takes its name from the Sanskrit word for seasons and is an ode to the “moments of [the four] seasons coming together”. Through she continues an exploration of her ongoing adoration of
nature and its place in our lives. According to the designer, it celebrates every little detail of nature — from the hot summer tones to the death-like stillness of serene winter days.

Rutva also sees an evolution in Vaishali S’ signature style. Her trademark cording technique sees a newfound expression as the label ventures into navigating 3D and 4D garments. This uniqueness is also seen in the fabrics and materials she’s used for the collection — merino wool, pashmina, khadi, and lavish silks from West Bengal. Each piece of the collection is a testament to the label’s dedication to sustainability, with an emphasis on traceability through technology.

We spoke to the designer about her second stint at Paris Haute Couture Week and how different it has been from the first one for her. Here’s an excerpt from the interview.

Tell us about the collection


VS: The collection for Paris Haute Couture week was carrying very fine hand-woven Merino wool, transparent silks from West Bengal, and for the first time a full-fledged Pashmina from Ladakh, which we have been tracing on blockchain for transparency to our clients on its sustainable journey, and to the people that have worked with us on this project. I presented 32 looks divided into 4 groups, and the four costumes of Francesca Dario, the dancer. This time our collaboration with VIBRAM brought flat shoes, always with recycled soles. The idea behind it and behind the whole collection was that you can still be comfortable even if dressed up for Haute Couture (as nicely covered by the Early Bulletins France by Jennifer).

What inspired your collection this year?


VS: The inspiration of the collection are the Four Seasons, and how Nature follows her immutable course and is able to give us her fruits, then go to a sort of death meditation to only come back and bloom even stronger again. Each season has its beauty and its colors, each season has a different interpretation of all arts, whether visual/ fashion, or performing with the dances of OCDP of Francesca Dario. This constant flow keeps focused on sustainability with hand weaves and impact on community, with recyclable materials with VIBRAM, etc.

This is your second consecutive year at Paris Haute Couture Week. How does it feel?


VS: The presence in Paris this year had many different meanings from last year, so it was a bit more complex. At the same time, while last year it was the first-time excitement and the race across countries to reach Paris in covid lockdowns, this year I knew perfectly what Paris was expecting from me, and what is expected from an Haute Couture show, so the approach was more structured and complex, while the creativity was more freely unleashed. I cannot avoid mentioning the fact that I was personally hosted by HE Mr Jawed Ashraf the India Ambassador to France, in his private residence, which gave diverse feelings: homely support, huge responsibility towards him and the Indian workmanship we were thus officially representing, pride to showcase as an Indian excellence, happiness for this recognition.

What’s new in terms of the design and weaves that you have incorporated this season?

This season I introduced Pashmina from Ladakh for the first time in Haute Couture, hand spun and hand woven, and with a full traceability through block chain. In due time all stakeholders of the process will get their recognition, and correct remuneration. In terms of designs, you can appreciate more diverse lengths of gowns, more extreme silhouettes. One further step into breaking the boundaries of draping towards a more complete representation of Nature and its energy flow.

Tell us about a few bridal trends that will be a hit this year?I feel that the general trend of being more conscious will somehow be reflected even in bridal wear. Therefore, I am quite excited waiting for the new season, since I have always believed in outfits that are modular and can be broken down in two or three pieces that can then be combined with several everyday garments for different kind of occasions, allowing people to make use for long and recreate memories.

Proof can be that we have just been featured by Elle.com France in the top 5 bridal inspirations from the week.