We had the good fortune of connecting with Rahul Wadhwani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rahul, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Fake it till you make it. That is truly the most important thing I have learned about being in the industry. When I first started off as a designer and stylist, I had to portray myself as a knowledgeable and well-versed creative in the industry, fully knowing I had no idea what I was doing. Whenever I collaborated with people and they asked me if I could do a certain task, my response was always yes. I never closed myself off from any opportunity, and then I would spend late nights trying to figure out how to get the job done. You have to act like you know what you’re doing, and make sure that your collaborator is comfortable and confident in the fact that you are reliable. Relationships are also extremely important. Even when you don’t like the person you are working with, fake it till you make it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started off in the fashion industry with a goal to bring my designs to the everyday consumer, all while staying timeless and elegant. Growing up, shopping for clothes was extremely tough. I never found anything that got me excited. Everything was so boring, black, navy blue, and gray. I was craving colors, patterns, and prints. Something new, something fresh. My aesthetic could be defined as bold and timeless with a touch of sophistication. I get a lot of inspiration from my culture and my family. My aunts, more specifically, were some of the most elegant women I saw growing up. From their makeup to their clothing, to the way they carried themselves. It was confident, classy, and timeless. Because my experiences and style are individualistic, my designs are reflective of that. I don’t like trends, and what really gets me excited is seeing clothing that will last the test of time. So I decided to blend all of my life experiences into one aesthetic, and present that to the everyday consumer. When I first started off, a lot of people did not understand my clothing. some would say it’s too simple, while others absolutely loved it. It was definitely difficult, and sometimes it still is. I have to push not only myself but my consumers every day, showing them that they should not limit themselves and that classics will never go out of style. But whenever it gets tough, I always tell myself that you only need one person to believe in yourself, and that person is you. I’ve definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way, which include the importance of time management, courage, hard work, and passion. Combine that with faking it till you make it, and you are on the right track.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston was a city I grew up not being fond of, but now when I look at it through a different lens, it truly is a melting pot for some of the most amazing food and activities. I would definitely start my day off at the Marriot Marquis, with a breakfast in bed and a fresh glass of orange juice. Our day would then proceed to a day full of window shopping in the galleria, admiring all the best shopping Houston has to offer. I’ve spent my time at the mall from a very young age, immersing myself within the world of fashion. I would then go to River Oaks for lunch at my favorite spot, Le Colonial. I am a regular there all the time and they know I love my food spicy. I would then take them to Rice Village to the Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM, a truly underrated experience. And I would end the night by driving by the most beautiful homes in the River Oaks area. Houston will always be home. My childhood and some of my best memories have happened in that city, and I am a proud Houstonian. H-town forever!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful to be where I am today because of hard work and dedication, but I wouldn’t have learned that if it weren’t for my family, more specifically, my mother. My childhood consisted of looking to creative outlooks for entertainment, whether it was painting for hours, rearranging the furniture in my family’s living room, or playing dress-up in my mother’s closet, I was always doing something related to the arts. I get that from my mother. She always nurtured my creativity, and never limited me from doing the things I loved. Most kids my age were playing sports, but I was always different. And she knew that. So Maa, thank you for being the best mother a child could ever ask for and supporting my creativity from such a young age. Dad, thank you for instilling the values of hard work and staying humble throughout your career. And to the rest of my family, thank you for being the best support system I could ever ask for. I truly would not have been able to do this without you guys. And lastly, to all of my collaborators, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me and bringing my visions to life. I would not be anything if it weren’t for you all.

Website: rahulpwadhwani.com

Instagram: @rahistyles

Image Credits
Cinematographer/Photographer- Tehben Dean Cinematographer/Photographer- Malik Baker Photographer- Lily Tate Photographer- Heather Harpole Photographer- Cory Purnell Model- Morganne Lilli Model- Essence Lin Model- Meredith Brown Model- Devyn Thulin Model- Sabrina Toney Model- Kendall Dair Model- Rae Dominick Makeup Artist- Amber Johnston Makeup Artist- Natalie Kemnitz Hair Stylist- Jackie Okwumabua

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