Crafted For The World Stage: Isha Jajodia On Couture And Dressing Shalini Passi In RoseRoom
2025 has been a phenomenal moment for Indian couture on the global stage. From Cannes to fashion weeks, Indian couture is the talk of the season. Amidst this global reach is designer Isha Jajodia, who has been crafting delicate poetry with textiles at RoseRoom. One of the most defining moments for RoseRoom was when Shalini Passi wore the brand's creation to Cannes Film Festival 2025.
Currently, Isha Jajodia is all set to unveil her latest collection at the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025. Ahead of this, we talked to the designer about her Cannes moment, the ethos of Roseroom, and the craftsmanship behind the garments.
Q. Let's start with Cannes! What was the first emotion you felt when you saw Shalini Passi in your creation on that global stage?
The first emotion I felt was a deep sense of responsibility and pride. Cannes is a global stage where every gesture, every detail, is seen and remembered. Seeing Shalini, someone who has been such a constant muse for RoseRoom, step out in something we created was incredibly meaningful. It wasn't just about a beautiful outfit; it was about representing Indian craftsmanship and our design philosophy with intention. In that moment, I felt we had created something that spoke not just of style, but of strength, identity, and presence.
Q. Could you walk us through the making of the garments – fabric choices, silhouettes, techniques – that were used for Shalini's look?
Both the ivory lace gown and the two-piece began with an in-depth conversation about Shalini's vision, which was clear from the start: something feminine, soft, yet strikingly present. We chose delicate French-inspired lace, layered with soft frills to create movement and structure. The two-piece featured a sculpted lace top paired with a sheer flowing skirt, all hand-finished in micro-detail. Our atelier focused on artisanal techniques like fine needlework and subtle embroidery to highlight femininity with strength.
Q. How did the Cannes collaboration come about? How was the experience of working with Shalini and seeing her embody your creation?
Shalini has been a RoseRoom muse for a while now. Over time, we've built a strong understanding, creative trust and friendship. When Cannes came up, her clarity about visualising a soft yet powerful presence made the collaboration effortless. Watching her wear the garments so gracefully, with her energy and confidence, was deeply rewarding. It felt like a seamless creative partnership, one that affirmed our belief in building emotional connections with our muses.
Q. RoseRoom's designs always carry a certain poetic drama, a feminine allure, and a certain softness of its kind. How was this design language reflected in Shalini's Cannes looks?
Those elements were at the very heart of what we created. The ivory gown was soft and romantic yet held an inherent strength in its structure and movement. The two pieces echoed that softness in the skirt, while the top brought a subtle edge. Both look balanced romance and restraint, softness and strength: qualities I see in Shalini, and that define RoseRoom's narrative.
Q. Do you feel moments like these (Cannes appearances) are changing the way international platforms view Indian fashion?
Yes, absolutely. When Shalini steps out in Indian couture that's crafted with finesse and intention, it shifts perceptions from 'heritage heavy" to 'globally resonant." It positions Indian fashion as thoughtful, nuanced and contemporary. Platforms like Cannes are slowly recognising that Indian design isn't just about embellishment or bridal, it can speak to elegance, emotion and artistry on an international stage.
Q. How do you think Indian fashion can evolve on the international stage beyond embellishment and bridal couture?
I believe it's about telling deeper stories through fabric, technique and emotion. Moving away from just ornate surface details to textures, silhouettes and craftsmanship that tell a narrative. Collaborating with artisans to innovate traditional techniques, and creating ready-to-wear pieces with couture soul, these are the directions where Indian fashion can truly shine globally.
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Q. What's the one fashion trend you think is on its way out – and what's the next big shift the industry isn't ready for yet?
Overly maximal embellishment is starting to fade; there's a desire for restraint, emotional resonance, and craft. The next shift? I see a move towards quiet couture, pieces that feel personal, handcrafted, and soulful, but worn with intention and ease. Fashion that's less about showiness and more about subtle presence, quiet confidence, and meaning.
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July 22, 2025, 18:50 IST
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