Ritu Kumar to Sabyasachi Mukherjee: 5 Indian designers who have styled global celebrities

yanka Chopra Jonas, Carrie Underwood, Danielle Campbell, Kangana Ranaut and Nora Fatehi among others — Rocky S, as he is popularly known, has styled many celebrities across the world. He has also done six international shows including London Fashion Week (2016), Milan Fashion week (autumn/winter 2016), Dubai Fashion Week (2021) and LA Fashion Week (2022).

[caption id="attachment_40672" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Rocky S[/caption]

The Mumbaikar

Born in Mumbai, Maharashtra in October 1970, a city he describes as brimming with culture and creativity, Rocky faced the loss of his father at a young age. “But my mother’s unwavering strength became a guiding light in my life,” informs Rocky, who has two elder brothers, one a chartered accountant and the other has made his mark in the realm of business construction.

Even back then, Rocky showed a deep interest in sartorial pursuits. “I still remember during holidays, my grandmother would create stunning outfits from scratch and lovingly gift them to us. I was truly captivated by the artistry of transforming a single piece of fabric into such garments,” smiles the ace designer. Alongside his passion for fashion, Rocky discovered an affinity for swimming, a sport that has influenced his life and values and remains indelible.

He went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, but swiftly transitioned to pursue his dreams in fashion design, enrolling at the esteemed JD Institute in Mumbai.

Brand Rocky S 

His process begins with inspiration. "It consumes a significant portion of my time," he admits, "but serves as a catalyst for my creative flow. Once I find the perfect inspirations, my sketches come to life effortlessly." This inspriation springs from the people who hace influenced him, and played role in shaping his creative vision.

Rocky’s art is shaped by his love for travel, which he says ignited a passion for exploration. During his travels, he encountered remarkable gothic and baroque designs, which became a fount of inspiration for the ace designer. “These influences, combined with my unwavering vision, propelled me to establish my own brand in 1995, with a resolute mission to create relevant and luxurious couture for the ever-evolving women of today,” recalls Rocky, who is well known for his artistic mind and penchant for invention.

 

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Over time, he nurtured a self-sustaining unit, housing skilled master craftsmen and artisans, who breathe life into each intricately designed piece.  “At our atelier, we prioritize the art of precision, focusing on cut, comfort, fit, and finish, resulting in exquisite haute couture, bridal wear, luxury pret-a-porter, and accessories,” says Rocky.

Rocky now ships his creations worldwide, marking a remarkable evolution from his humble beginnings. “Today, we showcase our collections in prestigious multi-designer stores while maintaining our flagship store in Mumbai—a physical manifestation of our brand's essence, inviting fashion enthusiasts to immerse themselves in our world of style and craftsmanship,” he says.

Dressing up Beyoncé 

Back in 2007, Rocky was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from the manager of superstar Beyonce, who was expected in Mumbai for a performance. The manager requested Rocky to bring a selection of outfits for the upcoming concert. “I swiftly gathered my team of assistants and headed to the hotel, armed with a carefully curated collection of 10-12 exquisite ensembles.”

As he presented the options to Beyonce, her eyes lit up with delight and after careful consideration, she ultimately chose the resplendent pink lehenga-choli for her stellar performance, says Rocky. He doesn’t just cater to the stars and their high-profile events, however. He works with the common people as well, and has established a reputation in the fashion community for offering a combination of style and comfort.

Association with ‘Miss India’

For many years, Rocky has served as the fashion director for Miss World, and has had a long association with the Miss Indian pageant – he was an official designer for Femina Miss India 2023 as well. He curates wardrobes for winners at events and red carpets.

This year, he says, his association with the pageant grew stronger as he had the honor of designing every gown for the state winners. “The collection of gowns exudes classic sophistication with a contemporary twist feature simple appliqué patchwork of cut Dana and stones. The delicate embroidery adds just the right amount of sparkle and texture to the gowns,” he explains. Only the finest silk, taffeta and velvet were used to create the meticulously-crafted gowns.

Future plans

Currently immersed in creating his newest collection, Rocky is pouring all his creative energy into the smallest details. “My strategy is to expand the brand’s presence by opening new stores both within India and abroad,” he says. “This decision is driven by the growing demand from our esteemed clientele, who hail from diverse locations such as the US, Canada, London, and Dubai,” Rocky adds.

Rocky’s other interests

Rocky is someone whose interests encompass a wide range of sources that fuel his creative spirit. “While I don't have a specific hobby per se, I find immense joy in traveling, immersing myself in different cultures, and drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of the world.” He also enjoys techno music, which he says resonates with his artistic sensibilities and serves as a backdrop for his creative process.

Fashion in India

Coming to the fashion scene in India, Rocky says people are currently embracing and celebrating a captivating neon revival, which has brought a fresh burst of energy and vibrancy to the scene. “Alongside this exciting trend, they are also exploring a myriad of captivating variations in saree styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional attire. These variations encompass a wide spectrum of design elements, ranging from unconventional draping techniques to experimentation with fabrics, textures, and embellishments,” explains the fashion designer.

Moreover, the anticipated rise in luxury spending in India by 2030 presents a promising landscape for the industry, he feels. “This upward trend in luxury spending suggests a growing demand for exclusive and high-end fashion products, creating a favorable environment for designers to showcase their craftsmanship and creativity as well,” he says, adding that opens up exciting opportunities to cater to the discerning tastes and aspirations of affluent clientele.

Rocky S stands as an extraordinary force in the realm of fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with his visionary designs and impeccable craftsmanship. From dressing global celebrities to captivating audiences with his runway showcases, Rocky S has cemented his position as a leading fashion maestro in India and beyond. With his unwavering dedication to excellence and his ability to breathe life into every ensemble he creates, Rocky S continues to inspire and shape the world of fashion, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends trends and time.

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