RUCHIKA SACHDEVA,
BODICE
“The things about India that I
feel Western people are attracted to
are the colour, the embellishment...
the maximalist aesthetic,” says
Ruchika Sachdeva. “But growing
up within that can get a little
overwhelming.” Accordingly, her
brand, Bodice, eschews stereotypes
in favour of the minimalism she
sought solace in while growing up
in New Delhi: “The more grounding
elements of Indian culture, where
you question how much is needed,”
she clarifies. “The idea of eating
with your hands – you don’t need
cutlery; or sitting on the floor – you
don’t need furniture.” Graceful
fluidity and pared-back decoration
pay tribute to that spirit, while the
materials Sachdeva uses harness
the hand-crafted techniques she
travels her country in search of.
A weaving co-operative beneath
the Himalayan foothills
manufactures her textural fabrics;
in Maharashtra, she sources
upcycled wool for Kantha
embroidery; in Lucknow, she
discovered chikankari, an intricate
form of threadwork and appliqué,
to incorporate into her latest
collection. Here is contemporary
elegance explored through
traditional craftwork: the perfect
reflection of modern Indian design.SILK-CREPE DRESS, £870, BODICE,
AT HARVEY NICHOLS. LEATHER
BOOTS, £575, NEOUS09-19-WellWales.indd 271 05/07/2019 10:45