Raghavendra Rathore is sitting in his office at the brand’s bespoke suiting store in Delhi’s Khan Market. Behind him is a pin board, on which tear sheets from magazines feature almost every Indian celebrity in his designs. However, Raghavendra – or Raghu, as his friends call him – is more interested in talking about the frequent trips he takes to his family’s palace resort, Ajit Bhawan, in the wilds of Rajasthan.
“It’s the place where I go to refresh. When I’m there, I hike every morning to get my emails from the top of the mountain,” he laughs. “It’s where I get the best signal! I was there when I got the news about Zegna. I got a call saying there needs to be a chat. I sat on the hill looking at the beautiful landscape. I told Darshan Mehta [president and CEO of Reliance Brands] I’d love to meet the family before we take any decisions. We went to Lake Como and we had a nice meeting with the younger and older generations of the Zegna family, to see what their future plans are.”
In 2018, Zegna and Reliance Brands Limited picked up a minority stake in the brand for an undisclosed amount. It established a three-way partnership that industry insiders are flagging as a roadmap for home-grown luxury brands in South Asia to accelerate their international reach.
The label is renowned for its signature bandhgala and Jodhpur breeches, two items that grew from the unique history of Jodhpur with its royal heritage, Rajputana culture and love of horsemanship. He reflects: “My 25-year celebration is really a celebration of my clients, so we’ve taken some heritage products out of the Mehrangarh Fort Museum and made them into more contemporary wearable pieces… My greatgrandfather used to wear a special pair of breeches, but they were made in brocade, and were itchy, so we made them in cotton instead.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
Inside the undercover adventures of a full-time fraud sleuth.
HOW TO MAKE A FORTUNE AS A PROFESSIONAL WHISTLE-BLOWER
A LIFE OF FASHION
In an extensive conversation, the menswear icon discusses his rise, his mistakes, his triumphs, his retirement, and what the future holds for him and his beloved brand.
IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE WITH GEORGE & BRAD
They've spent three decades living intertwined lives at the inconceivably glamorous height of Hollywood. Now, having crossed the threshold of 60, they're more comfortable than ever throwing bombs, dispensing hard-won wisdom, and, yes, arguing about who had the better mullet in the '80s.
ALEXANDER THE GRITTY
One of India's most creative chefs comes of age.
Penning History
Montblanc marks 100 years of its iconic Meisterstück with new writing instruments inspired by the 1924 Olympic Games.
Royal Enfield Forges a New Path
Say hello to the company's most cutting-edge roadster.
Arooj Aftab Owns the Night
The Grammy Award-winning artist, fresh off a Glastonbury set, speaks to GQ about her new album, Night Reign, from the ideas that led to its conception to its genre-defying collabs with Elvis Costello, Kaki King and more.
Louis Vuitton's New Beat
The luxury maison's latest addition to the Tambour line reiterates its commitment to watchmaking and craftsmanship.