Rajshri Deshpande reflected on her experience of representing the next generation of designers!
At the recently concluded Bombay Times Fashion Week 2025, the students of Whistling Woods International’s School of Fashion and Costume Design showcased their creative collections on a prestigious platform. Adding star power and substance to the showcase, acclaimed actor Rajshri Deshpande, who won Best Actress in a Drama Series at the 2023 #FilmfareOTTAwards for her stellar performance in Trial by Fire, graced the runway as the showstopper, embodying the spirit of creativity and collaboration that defines the event. In an exclusive interaction, she reflected on her experience of representing the next generation of designers and shared her thoughts on their creativity, vision, and dedication.
How does it feel to be the showstopper for Whistling Woods International’s student showcase at Fashion Week 2025?
It’s extremely exciting to be chosen as the showstopper for these brilliant young minds feels like being part of something much bigger than myself. There’s such raw energy and individuality in their work that walking for them feels like celebrating the future of Indian fashion. As someone who has always believed in supporting emerging talent, this opportunity allows me to be a bridge between the creative industries I’m passionate about. The students’ enthusiasm is infectious, and their dedication reminds me of my own journey in cinema. To be wearing their creations and representing their vision on such a prestigious platform is truly an honor. This opportunity is about amplifying their voices and giving them the recognition, they deserve.
What was your first reaction when you were approached to represent the next generation of designers through this special showcase?
My immediate reaction was absolute excitement! I’ve always been drawn to authentic, meaningful collaborations, and this felt perfect. When I learned about WWI’s approach to fashion education and how they integrate real industry experience into academics, I knew this was exactly the kind of initiative I wanted to support. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for young creative minds to get their work noticed, so being able to lend my platform to these students felt like the right thing to do. I was also curious about their creative process and themes—I wanted to understand what this generation of designers is thinking about, what inspires them, and how they’re interpreting contemporary fashion. It felt like an opportunity to learn as much as to contribute.
What truly captivated me was when I learned about the themes these students are exploring. The students from Semester 3 and Semester 5 have showcased their talent—each working on deeply meaningful concepts. Semester 3 students are focusing on “Conceptual Fashion Design Rooted in Storytelling and Symbolism,” which resonates so deeply with my work as an actor where every character is a story waiting to be told through visual elements. Then Semester 5 is exploring “Identity, Transformation, and Cultural Expression Through Experimental Fashion,” which is incredibly powerful and relevant in today’s world. These aren’t just fashion themes—they’re philosophical explorations of who we are and how we express ourselves. The fact that students are being encouraged to think this deeply about fashion, to see it as a medium for cultural dialogue and personal transformation rather than just aesthetic appeal, is extraordinary. I knew immediately that this wasn’t going to be a typical fashion show—this was going to be an artistic statement, and I felt privileged to be the one representing their vision on that runway.
You’ve seen the collections created by the students, what impressed you most about their creativity and the themes they have worked on?
They fearless approach to storytelling through fashion. These students aren’t just designing clothes—they’re creating narratives, much like how we create characters in cinema but what impressed me the most is definitely my outfit. I have been told that the idea for my dress stemmed from the script of the fashion film that was executed by the students of semester 5 as part of the media fashion media 2. The very contemporary art form of ariels, ballet, fitness, core strength and artistry is depicted in the multiple layers of tulle that hangs from an architectural crumb catcher corset, and this ethereal dress is embellished by handmade flowers with each layer epitomizing the art that sperd the concept for the film- Room of remembering.
Other than that, all their collections reflect such cutting-edge designs. The technical execution combined with conceptual depth reminds me of independent cinema, there’s substance behind the style. They’re not trying to copy trends; they’re creating something uniquely Indian yet universally appealing. Their use of unconventional materials and innovative silhouettes shows they’re thinking like true artists, not just designers
WWI gives its students an opportunity to present their work alongside established names. How important do you think such real-world exposure is for young designers while they are still studying?
This exposure is absolutely crucial- it’s the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom. In my acting career, I learned more from being on actual sets than I ever did in workshops. Similarly, these students are experiencing the real pressures, timelines, and standards of the fashion industry while still having the safety net of academic support. They’re building professional relationships, understanding market dynamics, and getting feedback from industry veterans all while developing their own creative voice. This early exposure builds confidence that would otherwise take years to develop. More importantly, it demystifies the industry for them—they’re not dreaming about fashion careers anymore, they’re actively building them. It also helps them understand that creativity and commercial viability aren’t mutually exclusive, which is a lesson every artist needs to learn.
Fashion and cinema often go hand in hand. How do you think collaborations like these helps bring both industries closer?
The synergy is beautiful and natural. Both fashion and cinema are about storytelling, character development, and visual communication. Through these student designers, I see how fashion can enhance narrative, just as costume design does in films. These collaborations create a shared vocabulary between both industries. These partnerships also open up career pathways for students who might want to work in costume design for films or for actors who might want to explore fashion entrepreneurship. Such collaborations also help both industries stay relevant and innovative by constantly cross-pollinating ideas and aesthetics.
What message would you like to share with these aspiring designers and creators as they take their first steps into the professional world?
Stay authentic to your voice while remaining open to growth and change. The fashion industry, like cinema, can be challenging, but your unique perspective is your greatest strength. Don’t let commercial pressures dilute your creativity but also don’t ignore market realities. Learn to tell your story through your designs, because fashion that has a narrative always resonates more deeply with people. Collaborate generously- some of my best work has come from partnerships where creative minds came together. Be patient with your journey; overnight success is rarely sustainable. Build relationships, mentor others when you can, and never stop learning from every experience, whether it’s a success or a setback. Most importantly, remember that fashion is ultimately about making people feel something- confidence, joy, empowerment. If your designs can do that, you’re not just creating clothes you’re creating moments of transformation, and that’s incredibly powerful.
By Keerti Kadam