Fashion from waste; Ruchika’s designs win Woolmark Prize

Harshita Jaiswal
India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: Delhi based fashion designer Ruchika Sachdeva launched her label “Bodice” in 2010 by marrying recycled consumer waste with traditional techniques to create elegant fashion of well being. Her novel experiment has won for her this year’s Woolmark Prize in the women’s wear category during Pitti Uomo at Stazione Leopolda in Florence, Italy. More than 65 designers from more than 60 countries were nominated for this year’s award, with finalists representing six different regions around the world.
Bodice received AU$200,000 to help support the development of the business. It also received industry mentor support, Woolmark certification for the winning collection and the opportunity to be stocked in some of the world’s most prestigious department stores and boutiques, including Boutique 1, Boon The Shop, David Jones, Harvey Nichols, Hudson’s Bay, Lane Crawford, LECLAIREUR, mytheresa.com, ORDRE, Parlor X, Ssense.com, Sugar and Tata CLiQ Luxury.

Ruchika collaborates with local weavers taking a contemporary approach to honor the local culture of India.
The judge Lim thought Bodice’s collection was “completely thoughtful”. “From the ingredients and dyes used all the way to the application and everything in between, her collection really represents a modern woman.” For Bodice, the win means everything. “This is a huge opportunity to expand on what I do and keep doing it,” said Ruchika. “To get the chance to work with these retailers is incredible.”
In 2011 autumn collection at Lakme Fashion Week, Ruchika Sachdeva launched her brand “Bodice”. The same year she was also nominated for Best Debut Collection at the Marie Claire Awards. The dyes used in the production from natural sources which are safe for the skin even the buttons were sourced from renewable sources of coconut shell, seashell, and wood. The concept of over size and easy fitting clothes are recognizable by their unique, minimal aesthetic, quality construction and versatility.

Ruchika’s label “Bodice” is about individuality and compelling trends inspired by menswear clothing. The ambisexual patterns and romantic designs are the pre-eminence of the brand as Ruchika apprehended the absence of premium everyday wear. Thus, her collection mainly revolves around oversized and muted color bomber jackets, sleeveless coats, box pleated dresses and overlap tie pants.
The journey of the ace designer began when she got enrolled in London College of Fashion and started designing clothes for herself and her peers. After returning to India, she sensed the market for premium daily wears which could be transition to formal evening wears and can be used on several occasions.