Latest news with #FrontierRaas
News18
27-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
Monsoon-Ready Traditional Wear: How To Stay Stylish, Dry And Rooted In Elegance
Last Updated: Monsoon dressing in traditional wear is all about blending breathable fabrics with smart styling and weather-proof accessories. Monsoon dressing can be tricky, especially when you're leaning into traditional Indian wear. The downpours demand practicality, but the festive calendar and our love for ethnic fashion calls for flair. So, how do you strike a balance between function and fashion when the skies turn grey? Two experts weigh in on how to stay effortlessly elegant, even during the wettest season. 'The key to monsoon dressing is balance, staying stylish while being practical," says Neeharika Leekha Wadhwa, Founder, Leather Garden. 'I always recommend lighter, natural fabrics that breathe well. You want something that feels fresh and doesn't cling to the skin in the humidity." Echoing this is Gaurang Batra, Creative Director, Frontier Raas, who suggests going for cotton-silk or chanderi fabrics that offer both comfort and structure. 'They're light, breathable, and ideal for the season. Plus, they drape beautifully without weighing you down," he explains. Even embellishments need a rethink. 'We keep the detailing minimal, subtle touches that add elegance without soaking up moisture or making the garment heavy," Batra adds. Let Accessories Do the Talking When the skies are dull, your accessories can brighten the vibe. 'Add a pop of colour with your accessories, it lifts not only your outfit but your mood too," says Wadhwa. Her go-to accessory for the season? A soft, quilted leather handbag. 'It's perfect for monsoons—stylish, water-resistant, and it keeps your essentials safe and dry." Whether it's rain-friendly wedges, vibrant jewellery, or bold handbags, monsoon accessories are your chance to play without compromising comfort. Monsoon calls for colour therapy. 'We recommend soft jewel tones or earthy pastels," says Batra. 'They hold up beautifully against the grey skies and add a subtle vibrance without being too overpowering." Think moss green, dusty rose, deep teal, or muted gold. Style That Works with the Weather Ultimately, monsoon styling is about adaptability. Stay rooted in tradition, but don't be afraid to update the details for the season. Swap heavy velvets for cotton-silk, go for shorter hemlines, and pick accessories that work as hard as they look good. As Wadhwa sums it up, 'Monsoon dressing doesn't mean compromising on style—it's about being smart, thoughtful, and a little playful with your choices." First Published: July 27, 2025, 07:53 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Fibre2Fashion
19-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Creative Director Frontier Raas
Bridal and couture at Frontier Raas are labours of love Founded in 1954 with a vision to celebrate India's rich textile heritage, Frontier Raas has grown from a family-run establishment into a global luxury brand redefining ethnic wear. At the centre of this evolution is Gaurang Batra, Creative Director, who joined the business in 2016 inspired by his father's legacy and driven by a vision to marry tradition with innovation. Armed with a degree in Business and Finance from Northeastern University, Boston, Gaurang brings both creative sensibility and strategic foresight to the table. Under his leadership, the brand now encompasses three dynamic verticals—Frontier Raas, Raas Saris, and Taraasa—each offering a distinct voice within the Indian couture landscape. In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, Gaurang opens up about sustaining heritage through modern design, expanding globally, prioritising sustainability, and what lies ahead for Frontier Raas in the ever-evolving world of luxury fashion. Frontier Raas has carved a strong identity in the Indian ethnic wear space. What was the original vision when the brand was founded, and how has that evolved over the years? Frontier Raas began in 1954 with a simple yet powerful vision—to celebrate and elevate India's rich textile and design traditions. What started as a family-run store has evolved into a global luxury ethnic brand, deeply respected for its craftsmanship and storytelling. Our ethos has always centred around bridging the past with the present—preserving the soul of traditional artistry while meeting the changing tastes of modern India. Today, our collections reflect that duality, balancing heritage with innovation, timelessness with relevance. Your brand has a strong heritage rooted in traditional craftsmanship. How do you ensure a balance between preserving this legacy and appealing to modern bridal and occasion wear preferences? It is a delicate process—honouring craft while evolving with the times. We do not treat tradition as a limitation but as a foundation to build upon. Whether it is reinterpreting handloom techniques with contemporary silhouettes or infusing heritage motifs into structured lehengas and draped sarees, we always ask: 'How does today's woman want to wear this?' Our aim is to create garments that feel both rooted and current—pieces that tell a story, but are also wearable, light, and adaptable to modern celebrations. Can you share the thought process and craftsmanship that go into curating bridal lehengas and couture pieces that are unique to Frontier Raas? Bridal and couture at Frontier Raas are labours of love. Each piece begins with an idea—often inspired by art, architecture, or archival textiles—and then goes through hundreds of hours of meticulous work by our artisans. Our lehengas and couture pieces often feature a mix of techniques—zardozi, gota, pearl embroidery, mirror work—layered with texture and tonal play. We are involved in every detail, from the placement of a motif to how the garment moves. It is couture, yes, but it is also deeply personal—designed to make the wearer feel radiant, celebrated, and rooted. Many of your designs reflect cultural richness with a contemporary flair. How does the design team draw inspiration while maintaining originality across collections? Our design process is immersive and interdisciplinary. Inspiration can come from a vintage heirloom, a Mughal miniature, or even a contemporary art installation. What grounds us is the depth of craft we work with—when you are innovating within centuries-old techniques, there is always room to discover. We also listen carefully to our clients—their evolving tastes, how they want to express themselves. That constant dialogue ensures that our collections remain original yet resonant. How have bridal and occasion wear trends evolved in recent years, particularly post-pandemic? What are customers looking for today that is different from five years ago? Post-pandemic, there has been a clear move towards intentional, personalised fashion. Brides today want outfits that reflect their individuality, are versatile, and can be restyled beyond the wedding day. They are asking deeper questions, not just about design, but about origin, comfort, and sustainability. We are seeing greater openness to drapes, co-ord sets, and even playful reinterpretations of the lehenga. Daali, our recent collection, is a direct response to this shift—fluid, expressive, and rooted without being traditional in the usual sense. How are consumer preferences shifting in terms of silhouette, fabric, and functionality in traditional wear, especially as cross-cultural weddings and fusion fashion gain popularity? Consumers today want options that travel across cultures and contexts. They want traditional fabrics in modern forms—lightweight organzas in structured gowns, or lehengas with utility blouses. Functionality and comfort are no longer negotiable. And cross-cultural weddings are pushing us to think beyond the expected—blending colour stories, mixing styles, and designing for diversity. It is an exciting time to be reimagining ethnic wear. How important is customisation in your offerings today? It is extremely important. Every bride or client we work with has a unique vision, and we are here to bring that to life. From personalised motifs to custom colour palettes, we offer a wide range of bespoke services. It is not just about fit—it is about co-creating an experience. This also deepens the emotional connection our clients have with their garments, which is invaluable in an age of fast fashion. How is the Indian bridal wear industry adapting to the increasing demand for personalisation and experiential shopping among millennials and Gen Z brides? This generation is not buying a lehenga—they are investing in an experience. They want storytelling, transparency, and co-creation. That is why we are not just offering garments—we are curating journeys: from moodboarding sessions and trials to styling workshops with leading names in the industry. The bridal space is becoming less about rules and more about personal narratives, and we are here for that evolution. Frontier Raas has multiple stores across India and abroad. What has been your strategy for expansion—especially with respect to international clientele and the Indian diaspora? Our expansion has been both organic and strategic. While India remains our cultural and emotional base, we recognise the growing appetite for high-quality Indian couture among the diaspora. Cities like London and Dubai have been natural extensions of our clientele, who seek authenticity with global service standards. We tailor each store experience to its audience, ensuring that no matter where you are. The craftsmanship, the warmth, the attention to detail—remains intact. How significant is the role of online retail for a premium ethnic brand like yours? What kind of digital innovations are you currently exploring? Online retail has become integral, especially post-pandemic. Our e-commerce platform now reaches clients across continents. But we see digital not just as a channel, but as a way to enhance experience—through virtual styling sessions, bespoke consultations, and even immersive storytelling around each garment. From virtual styling sessions to occasion-led lookbooks, we are recreating the intimacy of in-store shopping online. Clients receive fit guidance and customisation support, while storytelling-rich product pages deepen their connection to each piece. With streamlined global shipping and NRI-focused services, we are making luxury more accessible—without losing the soul of the experience. What role does digitalisation—such as virtual trials, AR try-ons, or social commerce—play in reshaping how ethnic wear is bought and sold today? Digitalisation is not just changing how ethnic wear is bought; it is transforming how it is experienced. At Frontier Raas, we see tools like virtual styling, immersive lookbooks, and social commerce as ways to bring our craft closer to customers who may never step into a store. It is not about replacing touch and feel; it is about creating bridges. For us, the goal is simple: keep the soul of Indianwear intact, while evolving how the world interacts with it. Has Frontier Raas ever explored or is planning any collaborations with designers or celebrities? We have always believed in thoughtful collaborations that align with our values. While we have had celebrated stylists and artists engage with our brand, we are also exploring partnerships with like-minded designers and cultural voices who can bring fresh narratives to traditional craft. The goal is not just to create hype but to create meaning, reach new audiences, and push the boundaries of what ethnic wear can be. In the age of conscious fashion, how do you incorporate sustainable practices or work towards artisan welfare in the supply chain? Sustainability for us begins with respect—for materials, for time, and most importantly, for people. We work directly with artisan communities across India, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term partnerships. We use natural fibres, reduce fabric waste, and invest in techniques like hand embroidery that have a lower environmental footprint. Every time you buy a Frontier Raas piece, you are supporting not just a craft, but a craftsperson's livelihood and legacy. Sustainability in ethnic fashion is still an evolving conversation. What steps can the industry collectively take to make traditional garments more eco-conscious without compromising on aesthetics? We need to redefine luxury, not as excess, but as excellence in thought and process. That means embracing slow fashion, investing in biodegradable textiles, and encouraging consumers to cherish and repeat-wear pieces. Industry-wide collaboration is also key, whether through shared artisan programmes, sustainable sourcing hubs, or consumer education platforms. We believe sustainability is not a trend, but a responsibility. With the growing global recognition of Indian couture, how can designers and brands better position themselves on the international stage without losing cultural authenticity? The key is to stay rooted. Global audiences are craving authenticity, not diluted versions of tradition. If we continue to lead with craftsmanship, storytelling, and real cultural context, there is no risk of losing identity. The idea is to frame our traditions in formats the world can engage with, that is through design, digital platforms, and meaningful dialogue. What is next for Frontier Raas? Are you exploring new categories, geographic expansions, or experiential concepts like virtual bridal styling? We are looking forward to expanding into more markets, launching exciting collections, and continuing to innovate while staying true to our roots. There is also a big focus on sustainability and celebrating India's craft traditions on an even larger scale. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
