5 minutes with GAVIN RAJAH
I started the Gavin Rajah brand at university as a way of making extra pocket money and it escalated into a fully fledged business. A friend back then posed a simple question to me: what made me happy? It was simple – I wanted to be creative. I took his advice and plunged into the creative world. I also want to create a brand that had global relevance, I wanted it to be commercially viable.
The brand is about producing fine things – objects made by hand involving craftsmanship. For me it is always about having a refined edge to it.
The person that wears my brand is one that is discerning and refined. They appreciate luxurious finishes and detail. Fashion does not dictate their aesthetic but rather a personal sense of style. They are confident and assertive!
I think interacting with our atelier and having beautiful pieces of clothing made, or designing an interior or having us create an event for someone is the key to understanding what makes our brand distinction.
Our brand is about creating emotional connections and relationships. We are a brand that constantly seeks to push design boundaries and we are never afraid of venturing into new creative spheres.
Each collection is a story or reflection of where my headspace is. It can be born out of listening to music, reading, travelling or the many people I am surrounded with. I try new techniques in manufacture, embellishment or new fabrics so that I can bring something totally new to my clients. This collection was almost done as the last instalment to a series called ‘Voyage’. The last part of my voyage ends with an ‘Indian Summer’. I created a collection of colour and some prints largely inspired by the British summer residences in India during the British occupation. Delicate meadow florals, rich brocades, Mogul prints and even elements of Jacobean embroidery feature. There is a huge play on volume (inspired by Queen Victoria’s garb) but I have tempered it with Indian lightness and exoticism.
The beautiful brocade pieces are so chic and sexy. The oversized brocade jumpsuit or the gorgeous linen ruffle dresses we have done are just ravishing!
Solitude and being undistracted work best for me. I find that reading, music and travelling are the two things that generally offer focus and the inspiration. I design pretty quickly and then edit sketches. Once I have done this I then colour and swatch the designs. Once this is done the very long process of discussing this internally with my team and then beginning the toile process. Once these 3-D prototypes start I make adjustments and go into production. At the same time I also design fabrics and or embroideries for each item if required.
Expanding our homeware brand has been a massive success for us. We have just finally got our own non-profit company registered and founded, which means I can do more with vulnerable communities and helping them create sustainable forms of employment. I think teaching and empowering people is on the cards! Maybe some retail as well, but that’s still under wraps! gavinrajah.com