Mumbai: Raghavendra Rathore, India’s celebrated couturier and designer of bespoke clothing, collaborated with Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh for his ongoing Dil-luminati North America tour. The lifestyle designer showcased Indian heritage and craftsmanship on a global platform through Dosanjh’s powerful connection with audiences worldwide. The tour kicked off in Vancouver, Canada, on April 27th and will continue across major cities in Canada and the United States until July 13th, 2024.
For the Vancouver opener, Dosanjh donned Rathore’s signature black Jodhpur bandhgala collared kurta, featuring intricate tonal thread work. This black handcrafted kurta was paired with a lustrous pure silk chadra (traditional Punjabi, thoughtfully crafted to complement the ensemble. The look was completed with a turle wali pagri (Punjabi turban) styled by renowned turban artist Gurpartap Singh Kang.
For Diljit’s illustrious DilLuminati tour, the choice of designer was clear: Raghavendra Rathore. Renowned for his impeccable craftsmanship and deep reverence for Indian heritage, Rathore, along with his eponymous brand, embodies a commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural roots. This synergy aligns perfectly with Diljit, whose music and persona are deeply intertwined with the rich traditions of Punjab. Together, they create a seamless blend of fashion and music, paying homage to their heritage while captivating a global audience.
The iconic bandhgala kurta, a quintessential Raghavendra Rathore design, has been reimagined for contemporary audiences As Dosanjh’s massive 20 million followers witness this celebration of Indian sartorial elegance, it cements India’s position as an emerging powerhouse in the luxury fashion industry.
“Diljit Dosanjh is an unstoppable force, not just as one of India’s biggest musical sensations but also as a proud ambassador of our rich cultural heritage,” remarked Raghavendra Rathore. “By seamlessly blending his Punjabi roots with a modern sensibility, Diljit has struck a chord with the AI-Gen-Z audience who crave authentic experiences that pay homage to their traditions while pushing creative boundaries. Our collaboration for the Dil-luminati tour is a celebration of this very spirit – fusing timeless Indian craftsmanship with contemporary global appeal. As Diljit takes the stage in my bespoke ensembles, we are showcasing to the world the unparalleled artistry of Indian haute couture on prestigious international platforms.”
India’s apparel market, valued at a staggering $59.3 billion in 2022, has firmly established itself on the global fashion stage, standing shoulder to shoulder with fashion powerhouses like the UK ($65 billion) and Germany ($63.1 billion), according to data from McKinsey’s FashionScope. As India continues to assert its place on the world stage, trendsetters like Dosanjh and Rathore prove that the country’s rich cultural heritage is not just a source of pride but a powerful tool for growth and innovation.
With their bold vision and uncompromising commitment to excellence, they are paving the way for a new era of Indian dominance in the global fashion industry, one that celebrates the past while fearlessly embracing the future.
