India Couture Week 2024: Rimzim Dadu Merges Indian Couture With European Architecture

On her second year at the FDCI India Couture Week, designer Rimzim Dadu unveiled a captivating collection titled ‘Stucco,’ showcasing a unique blend of architecture and fashion. We spoke with the designer ahead of her showcase at ICW to delve deeper into the inspiration and vision behind her latest endeavor.

Baroque Influence: A Modern Couture Twist

Drawing inspiration from Italy-born Baroque architecture, known for its theatrical and artistic expression in the 17th and 18th centuries, Rimzim Dadu sought to capture its essence in a modern couture context. The collection, aptly named ‘Stucco,’ reflects the structural and sculpture-like qualities of ancient stucco art.

Known for her fluid silhouettes, metallic elements, and avant-garde style, Dadu continues her label’s legacy by merging the historic grandeur of Baroque architecture with contemporary fashion.

Key Silhouettes and Craftsmanship in ‘Stucco’

‘Stucco’ features a range of key silhouettes, including metal draped skirts, cord-weaved bustiers, and capes inspired by Baroque architecture. One-shoulder draped tops with sculpted metallic cords also stand out in this structure-driven collection. The use of beadwork, metallic threads, and intricate stucco-inspired details showcase Dadu’s fine craftsmanship, blending contemporary styles with historical influences to create wearable pieces of art.

The collection merges historical grandeur with modern innovation, capturing the essence of Baroque architecture through elaborate embroideries, voluminous silhouettes, and rich textures. Each piece in ‘Stucco’ reflects Dadu’s 18-year journey of exploration and evolution, showcasing her signature techniques in progressive surface texturing and material manipulation.

The collection features key silhouettes like skirts, structured jackets, and capes, all echoing Baroque opulence with detailed beadwork and metallic threads. The ambience of the showcase aims to immerse the audience in Baroque grandeur, with a dramatic play of light and shadow accentuating the collection’s depth.