“Raasika” by Sanjana R.
B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design 2022
With her collection, Rasika Sanjana R. reimagines the graduation collection. Bolder, braver, and unashamedly Indian, Rasika is an odyssey of art, music, and self through the language of modern fashion. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit term that translates to “a lover of art and beauty,” the collection is inspired by the evocative realm of Ragamala paintings, where classical Indian ragas are brought to life through rich narrative and emotion.
Sanjana’s vision mingles two culturally disparate yet highly aesthetic phases: Rajasthan, with its maximalist monarchy and exquisite miniature art, and Karnataka, known for its temple style and handloom heritage. The result is the seamless fusion of excess enveloping rooted heritage and modern silhouettes, imbuing new life into age-old references.
The ten-look collection boasts fluid drape, structured silhouettes, and bold colours inspired by the range of emotions in ragas: midnight blues, fiery vermillions, turmeric yellows, and stormy greys. Designed with high-quality fabrics such as Chanderi, modal satin, and tissue, every outfit is given a lift with precise hand painting and embroidery, done in association with artisans to ensure authenticity and sustainability.
Sanjana’s biggest challenge was how to transfer niche cultural storytelling into fashion that can talk across the ages. But that’s what Raasika does—no longer costume, no longer reduced fusion, but fashion that is wearable art. Every piece of clothing is an alive story—a melody you can wear, with the intensity of tradition and the acuity of contemporary intent.
Nostalgia in Rasika isn’t kept intact—it’s reinterpreted. Fashion that speaks with presence and walks with purpose.