Some inspirations come from a place, others from the stories we bring back with us. For Rahul Singh, Indi-Vita took shape in Florence, where the city’s architectural beauty, artistic heritage and unhurried way of life got him thinking about the connections between Indian craftsmanship and Italian aesthetics. Showcased at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, the collection brings these influences together in a contemporary summer wardrobe, expressed through intricate embroidery, fluid textiles and traditional techniques.

Recalling the inspiration behind the collection, Singh speaks of being drawn to Florence’s artistic heritage, architectural harmony and understated sophistication. What stayed with him was the way these elements reflected a sensibility he recognised in India’s own craft traditions. “India brings an extraordinary depth of textile traditions, artisanal techniques, and craftsmanship, while Italy inspires me with its architectural harmony, refined aesthetics, and understated sophistication,” he shares. With Indi-Vita, he wanted to explore this shared appreciation for artistry, creating a collection that brings two distinct cultures into conversation without losing what makes each unique.

The story unfolds through Kantha embroidery and Shibori dyeing, techniques that lend the garments contrasting yet complementary qualities. Kantha’s rhythmic hand stitching and layered textures celebrate the beauty of the handmade, while Shibori introduces spontaneity through organic patterns and tonal variations. As Singh explains, each technique brings its own “character and emotion” to the collection, allowing craftsmanship to shape the garments rather than simply decorate them.

For him, this distinction is central to bringing heritage into contemporary fashion. “My intention is not to recreate the past, but to give traditional Indian crafts a meaningful place in the way women dress today,” he says. It is a philosophy that gives these age-old techniques room to evolve through modern silhouettes and thoughtful fabric choices, while preserving the skill and individuality behind them.

The textiles play their own part in this exchange. Handwoven silk tissue lends a delicate sheen and a sense of richness, while handwoven organic cotton and bamboo cotton bring softness, breathability and ease. Together, they strike a balance between the intricacy of Indian craftsmanship and the lightness of Mediterranean dressing. The emphasis on handcrafted, environmentally conscious materials also reflects Singh’s interest in creating fashion with greater consideration for the processes behind it.

So, what does he hope people take away from Indi-Vita beyond the clothes themselves? For Singh, it is about finding common ground between two design sensibilities through their shared appreciation for artistry and detail. The collection offers a fresh perspective on Indian craft, demonstrating how heritage can move beyond its origins to find new meaning in the way we dress today.