Fashion serves as a powerful medium of expression that transcends mere aesthetics. It tells stories, celebrates cultural heritage, and consistently challenges the boundaries of creativity and social norms. And there are messengers of fashion, that inspire people towards individuality and bold self-expression. 

I take our inspiration from many timeless fashion icons - who I grew watching and following.

Rekha: Timeless Elegance

Rekha's impeccable embodiment of timeless elegance and sustainable fashion deeply influences my design philosophy. Her iconic use of sarees, styled differently for each occasion, exemplifies how fashion can be both beautiful and environmentally conscious. Rekha has ALWAYS shown to us that true style isn’t about following trends but about creating a wardrobe with lasting appeal. Reusing and restyling traditional attire inspires my collections, which aim to offer sustainable elegance, proving that responsible fashion can also be luxurious.

Zeenat Aman: The Avant-Garde Trendsetter

Zeenat Aman’s revolutionary style in the '70s, oh my! Blending Western trends with traditional Indian elements, breaking cultural norms and setting new trends - Zeenat knew it all, and still does!

Her fearless integration of styles across cultures inspires me to design clothing that breaks barriers and fuses different elements. This ability to blend diverse cultural styles seamlessly is something I try to embody in my creations to retain a unique and identifiable aesthetic.

Diljit Dosanjh: Cultural Pride or Urban Chic? I think BOTH!

Diljit Dosanjh needs no introduction, he is literally all over the place. We all love Diljit for his songs and movies, but for me the most interesting thing is the fact that he has carved a niche for himself at the intersection of traditional Punjabi attire and contemporary streetwear. Diljit’s fashion sense celebrates cultural roots while embracing modern trends, which is a testament that fashion is an ever-evolving dialogue between the past and the present. This inspires my brand, Explicit, to embrace cultural identity in a globalized fashion world.

Law Roach: Narratives Through Style

The 'Image Architect' has redefined celebrity fashion with his strategic and story-driven approach to styling. I am sure you must have seen his transformative work with icons like Zendaya where he uses fashion merely as a tool for storytelling. Law crafts outfits that enhance the wearer's personality and public persona, turning garments into narratives, while emphasizing on more meaningful, personally resonant styles that speak not only to the eye but to the soul.

Daniel Roseberry: Artistry Beyond Convention

Daniel Roseberry has revived Schiaparelli, and not only that, he has given it a new meaning by his avant-garde approach to haute couture. His designs, which are surreal, challenge conventional notions of fashion, combining high art with wearable art. This encourages a bold reimagining of fashion, where the wearables are as much a piece of art as they are a part of the wardrobe. Roseberry's work pushes the boundaries of traditional design and invites onlookers to rethink fashion as a form of artistic expression.

Cher: Reinvention and Risk-Taking

Cher’s dynamic career as a style icon mirrors her musical evolution, with each phase of her public life accompanied by a radical new fashion style. Known for her show-stopping, often outrageous stage and red carpet outfits, Cher has never shied away from reinventing her image. Her ability to adapt and reinvent her style while remaining undeniably Cher is a testament to the power of personal evolution through fashion. Cher's boldness in fashion choices encourages continuous innovation and fearless self-expression in style.

Alexander McQueen: A Legacy of Provocative Elegance

Alexander McQueen was not just a fashion designer; he was a visionary who used the runway as a platform to explore and challenge cultural, social, and personal themes. His fashion shows, known for their emotional depth and dramatic intensity, often addressed complex issues such as identity, politics, and human rights. McQueen’s legacy teaches us that fashion is not merely about adornment but is a powerful medium for expressing complex narratives and provoking thought.

These icons, each with their distinctive approach to fashion, play a crucial role in shaping my creative vision. From Rekha’s sustainable elegance to McQueen’s radical designs, their legacy informs the ethos behind EXPLICIT. They teach me that fashion is not just about creating clothes—it's about making statements, pushing boundaries, and being true to oneself.