rah🇧🇩

here’s a recap from my first fashion show i did for @rahshitonly during @gulaab.la of the many narratives that i chose to focus on, i had to pay homage to bollywood, the original inspiration for many of us south asians. first thing to come to mind are the classic blue denims matched with my upcycled saree pieces which illustrate the blend of classic meeting modern even the set design was from one of my favorite scenes from mujhse dosti karoge. coming down the stairs to saan wali ek ladki with electric guitar in hand for my entrance was everything there was no way we weren’t doing a dance performance. it’s bollywood after all. thank you @b.khanfident for creating such a beautiful closing act❤️ thank you to my gulaab family for allowing me to remove any limiting beliefs when producing this event. there was never a moment where they doubted any of the decisions/ideas. it was merely about how we’re getting it done. i can’t express how much it transformed me as a creative to one of my mentors @bikasan , your constant support allows me to become the person i’ve always dreamed of being. it’s truly an honor to not only learn but also work alongside you 💜 thank you to the community who made this event special gulaab family | @flyingbeardphotography @kshove @b.khanfident @jxneja photos | @bokchoy_baobei on set stylist & producer | @styledbyambika tailors | @mrs.jun.tailor & primo gracia models | @thepripri @chasinglife @iamsakharii @neesh__me @sarahmgibsonn @yourchae @anusha.savi dancers | @b.khanfident @vinaini.j @kajallraju jewelry | @officialprachigupta hair and make up sponsor | @michaelvincentacademy hair/make up artists | @busetanyuksel @gabbeezzmakeup halley & sicilly volunteers | @heshpierre @yxltic if you read all that, ilysfm❤️

our next @gulaab.la artist spotlight: king of sarees his brand, @rahshitonly , produces all their cut-and-sew pieces in little bangladesh, los angeles. many of his recent works utilize upcycled sarees, primarily sourced from mosques and ashrams. the proceeds from acquiring these fabrics support the institutions and their programs. each of his pieces are more than clothes, they are unique experiences for the wearer. at the age of nine, he assisted his father, the chairman of the organization who erected the little bangladesh sign, with design work. today, he creates all his pieces in the same office space his father rented years ago for his community endeavors. his mission to elevate the community’s presence is aligned with his father’s vision. he is also the owner of @plzrstudios , who has created a safe space where his imagination for immersive experiences can run wild. PLZR studios serves as a central hub for the community to pursue their passions and dreams. whether it’s live music performances, workshops, art gallery pop-ups, men’s support groups, private shopping experiences, or even watch parties, they facilitate whatever experiences bring us pleasure. 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹 📅 July 12th, 2024 / 8PM to 2AM. Join us at @gulaab.la — an immersive South Asian event with music, art, and fashion aimed to highlight local artistic talents in Central Arts District, Los Angeles. 📸: @flyingbeardphotography

took me forever to make this post. that’s mainly due to the fact i really pushed myself way passed my limits only now do i feel like i’m back at my base line. that’s heavily due to the amount of stress and pressure that comes with creating such a unique event such as @gulaab.la one of the most beautiful things to come from moments like this are the lessons you learn from them. and what’s crazy is the bigger the risk is, the better lessons that come from it. so take those risks cause you’ll never know what you’ll learn. here’s some of the things i learned throughout this experience: 1. even if things don’t go exactly how you want them to, that should never discourage you from continuing and pushing forward. even tho that event was lit af and was packed with different experiences, there was still more that i wanted/planned to do but i am okay with what i was able to do in the time/budget i had to work with. it actually encourages me to go harder for the next ones 2. the power of community is unimaginable. literally this event would not have been the same if it had not been for all the people that came and showed up. whether you were apart of the team, volunteering, purchased a ticket, our sponsors, spreading the word and so many countless examples of support, this event would not have been as special. it was for the community by the community❤️ 3. the importance of planning. had i dedicated more time and effort towards planning, i wouldn’t have to make certain sacrifices such as loss of sleep, inconsistency at the gym, and more. this one is crucial for me. as i plan on throwing more curated immersive experiences, i need to plan in advance and make sure that i can still do all the things i routinely do while striving towards reaching my ambitions and aspirations. there are other lessons but that’s a good amount for now. i hope there was something you could take away from this experience. if there’s a question about anything related to this experience that you want to know more about, comment it below and i’ll answer it to the best of my ability thank you so much to my community for sharing your time, attention and energy. if you read all that, ilysfm❤️

Come join us for the LA premiere of the first official @proudasianmen documentary at @plzrstudios ! I will be sitting alongside you, @rahdrip and @kyoohl to discuss the documentary and Asian men’s mental health. Free with recommended donation. Come join our community where we support Asian in healing inwards to serve outwards! #mensmentalhealth #asianmentalhealth #depression #aapimentalhealth #pocmentalhealth

The first ever Print & Sip: South Asian block printing workshop was a SUCCESS! ✨ What started as a tiny idea in my head about a year ago came to life in the most beautiful way. I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who came out and made this evening so special. Seeing all your creative prints come to life while celebrating South Asian artistry and community was everything I dreamed of and more. Also, some of y’all need to have your pieces in a magazine because they’re just so dang cute!!! Thank you for showing up, sipping, printing, and making this first event unforgettable. 💛 Here’s to many more! Thank you once again to all our wonderful sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible: @chaidiaries @publicestrellas @roshonabilashla @plzrstudios Images: @brittslegit My jacket🧥: @royal.bengal.couture #southasian #blockprinting #thingstodoinla #creativeworkshop #printnsip

Community Spotlight: Rah ✨ @rahdrip is a fashion designer and immersive experience builder who has been a quiet force behind so many beautiful moments in the South Asian creative community in Los Angeles. From repurposing sarees into clothing to designing immersive environments, his work is rooted in uplifting community through creativity. For @india.mapiano , Rah is transforming @catchonela into an entirely new world - bringing together music, art and culture. We’re so excited for you all to experience what he’s creating tomorrow. ☺️ 🎥: @shraesht.jpeg 🎵: @dj.sudi

Can’t stop thinking about the beautiful night we had last weekend at UBUNTU. This inaugural curation was an evening centered on Black creative expression and collective presence. Intentional sharing seems to sum up the night. We shared space, great food, our art, warm presence, and powerful words that uplift, challenge and unite us far beyond February. Grateful for this year’s amazing creative partners: ✨Photography exhibit, film screening, and live reading of RAW BLACK BLUE by @shantreverite ✨Live screening of @theactsofintimacy by @theeeempress and @meli_graves ✨Spoken word by @kiddwithcurls ✨Bites by @blackmangosupperclub ✨Sips by @pressed_for_purpose ✨Special visual art by @raycreational ✨Ambiance by @plzrstudios ✨Video @babzaf ✨Photos @suntotheshot ⚡️Event design and production @rahdrip @aldanewalters #communityevent #blackhistorymonth #eventsla #creativeeventdesign #blackmangoevents

lol! Designed by @rahdrip

Simple things 🌱 Creative Direction & Photography: @shraesht.jpeg Models: @kattelaameya @arika.ch @keertana.sree Sarees: @rahdrip Draping & Styling: Pujag.29 { saree, girlhood, desi, south Asian fashion, la photographer, la model }

LA, I’m home ❤️ This Thursday, we’ll be celebrating my new release and the completion of my year-long nomad journey at @plzrstudios I’ll be sharing the entire journey through 11 countries and all the magic that ensued via a live interview hosted by my good friend @neesh__me , followed by a sneak peek screening of my @elementsfestival set. It’ll be a night of inspiration, vulnerability, and celebration. This is my first time doing an event like this, and it’s going to be very, very special ❤️ Head to my bio for all the info and the ticket link! So excited to see you all there 🙏🏾

Girlhood 🪷 A passion project celebrating the beauty of desi girlhood with a modern twist! I brought together three gorgeous models and one skilled saree draper (none of whom had met before), and had the pleasure of watching them instantly connect over their experiences as South Indian creatives. Even more than their poses, it was a joy to capture the fleeting spontaneous moments as they struggled with their sarees, fixed each others’ hair, and fought to hold in their laughter. Thank you all for showing up and bringing this vision to life 💕 Creative Direction & Photography: @shraesht.jpeg Models: @kattelaameya @arika.ch @keertana.sree Sarees: @rahdrip Draping & Styling: Pujag.29 { saree, girlhood, desi, south Asian fashion, la photographer, la model }

textures are everything to me. these are from back home✨