Rimzim Dadu On Striking The Balance Between Avant-Garde And Commercially Viable

Rimzim Dadu is a name synonymous with innovation in textiles and textures. Using traditionally hard materials like steel and cord to create textiles that are both structured and flowy is an art that the couturier has mastered. Creating clothing made entirely of these materials that also sells is truly unprecedented. The intricacy of the process of creating fabrics with cords is exemplary in terms of rich craftsmanship. Extremely avant-garde in its approach but also embraced by real brides, Rimzim Dadu has the best of both worlds.

As she completes 17 years in the industry in August, Rimzim Dadu chats with Manifest about her brand’s journey, creating wearable art and more…

In Conversation With Rimzim Dadu

Manifest: Rimzim Dadu is a cool, rather unconventional choice for a bride. How would you describe the Rimzim Dadu bride?

Rimzim Dadu: The Rimzim Dadu bride is fierce and feminine, basking in her confident glow. She is a quintessential "Bride of Steel," embodying a unique blend of sophistication and avant-garde style. Confident and independent, she is unafraid to break away from traditional norms. Her aesthetic leans towards the unconventional, with a preference for bold silhouettes, innovative textures, and contemporary designs. She values individuality and seeks out pieces that reflect her personality and taste, making a statement with her attire. The Rimzim Dadu bride is a modern muse, effortlessly merging elegance with an edge.

M: Given that cord work is synonymous with the brand’s identity and is something that remains constant, how do you manage to keep evolving?

RD: Cord work is indeed a core part of our brand's identity, but evolution is driven by continuous experimentation and pushing the boundaries of materials and techniques. We revisit and reinterpret past masterpieces, infusing them with new ideas and innovations. Our studio, affectionately called ‘the Lab’, is a hub of constant experimentation with different textiles and surfaces, allowing us to keep our designs fresh and forward-thinking while maintaining our signature style.

M: How do you manage to strike the balance between creating clothes that are both unconventional and commercially viable?

RD: Striking this balance involves a deep understanding of our clientele and the market. We focus on creating pieces that are not only artistically innovative but also wearable and functional. By blending experimental techniques with practical design elements, we ensure that our creations are both visually stunning and accessible to a broader audience.

M: How has the brand evolved over the years?

RD: Over the years, the brand has evolved from its early days of experimental beginnings to a globally recognized name in contemporary and luxury fashion. We have continually pushed the boundaries of surface texturing and material innovation, earning national and international acclaim. From the start, I have always been drawn to hardware markets, scrap shops, and jewellery ateliers, which have inspired my exploration of new materials and experimental techniques. The essence of the brand has always been about pushing the limits of textiles and textures. Over time, our approach has become more refined, striking a balance between avant-garde and commercially viable designs. I've grown as a designer over the last decade, gaining a deeper understanding of our audience and the market, and refining our product offerings. Establishing a brand identity synonymous with innovation and experimentation has taken time, but we've found a space where our products are not only refined and functional but also make a bold statement.

M: Your clothes are nothing if not experimental. Did you anticipate the brand would be getting so much love when you first started out?

RD: When I first started, I was focused on pushing the limits of textile innovation and creating something unique. While I hoped my work would resonate, the overwhelming love and recognition the brand has received were beyond my initial expectations. The support from the fashion community and our clients has been incredibly gratifying and motivates us to keep innovating and evolving.

M: Before you did it, it would have been very unusual to think that steel could be made malleable enough to make a sari. Since then, the steel-wire sari has become one of the brand’s most iconic products. What do you have to say about that?

RD: The steel-wire sari was a groundbreaking experiment that exemplifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion. It represents the fusion of industrial materials with traditional garment forms, creating a piece that is both innovative and iconic. The success of the steel-wire sari has reinforced our belief in the power of experimentation and has become a hallmark of our brand's identity.

M: You’ve been in the industry for 17 years. Have you ever fallen out of love with what you do?

RD: While there have been challenging moments, my passion for innovation and design has remained unwavering. The constant evolution of the brand and the opportunity to explore new ideas keep the work exciting and fulfilling. Each collection brings a new set of challenges and inspirations, ensuring that my love for what I do continues to grow.

M: Ever since you launched the brand, what has been the one moment that you are most proud of?

RD: Seeing my creation at the Victoria & Albert Museum was a defining moment for me. In an ode to the continuing tradition of innovative Indian textiles, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London explored the history of the Indian textile industry. I was honoured to be the youngest designer chosen to present my work at this prestigious institution for their exhibition titled "Fabric of India." It was incredibly rewarding to see my designs celebrated in such an esteemed international context, acknowledging the innovation and craftsmanship that my brand stands for.

M: What’s next for Rimzim Dadu?

RD: Looking ahead, we plan to continue our journey of innovation and experimentation. Our vision is to become a creative design house that goes beyond clothing, exploring new avenues and innovations while maintaining our commitment to unconventional designs and materials. We are exploring new collaborations and expanding our reach into different markets. The integration of advanced technologies into our design process is a key area of focus. Ultimately, we aim to keep pushing the boundaries of fashion while staying true to our brand's core values of craftsmanship and avant-garde aesthetics.