Rahi Chadda on combatting racism in the fashion industry: “I can’t change myself and discrimination isn’t going to persuade me”
It’s almost an innate human instinct to look back on our pasts and ask ourselves, “What if?” What if we had followed our passion? What if we had left the reliability of comfort? And what if we’d taken a chance and followed our dreams? Luckily for the talented Rahi Chadda, he doesn’t have to think about those hypotheticals. He made a decision early on that would alter his life in ways he could never have imagined. The model, influencer and entrepreneur (to name a few of his career choices) originally had his sights set on becoming a lawyer, but as time progressed, his burning passion for fashion and beauty could no longer be ignored. Chadda spent his time reading fashion blogs and, eventually, started posting his effortlessly stylish looks on his social media accounts, which, unsurprisingly, began gaining traction.
From there, the British national of Indian origin, now 29, graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar India and Grazia Pakistan, featured in Vogue India, GQ and Elle India, sat front row at Giorgio Armani, Prada and Dior shows and created content for some of the biggest luxury brands in the world. At the time of writing, Chadda has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, and while the creative thrives on self-expression, he is using his platform for so much more. When he first ventured into the fashion industry, he faced a wall of discrimination from mainstream modelling agencies due to his South Asian heritage. Now he’s hoping to ensure others don’t have to face the inexcusable challenges he once did and is seeking to increase the representation of South Asians in an industry that is still, in 2023, sorely lacking. Here, HUNGER sits down with the multi-hyphenate to discuss his path from lawyer to the runway, tackling racism in the fashion industry head-on, and his style evolution.
Chris Saunders: I read that before you paved a way for yourself in the fashion industry, you hoped to become a lawyer. What was the turning point when you realised that fashion was the path you should take?
Rahi Chadda: It was a bit of a realisation for me, coming to peace with what I truly wanted for my future. I am very capable as a person and can apply myself to anything, but because you can do anything doesn’t mean you should settle for anything other than your most ambitious dreams. I could have pursued law, I had all the resources. I studied and I was being introduced to opportunities. It was what I worked towards. However my natural talents and interests were in fashion and beauty and I decided to devote my energy to that.
CS: Was your family always supportive of your career choices?
RC: Naturally my family were sceptical as I was moving from a secure career pathway to a start over on a journey without a clear ladder. However they have been my rock ever since they saw how determined I was and how I handled the change. They have been so supportive over the past few years, I am very grateful.
CS: You’ve discussed facing racism in the fashion industry, especially in your early career – how did you overcome that discrimination?
RC: I have found that the best way to overcome this discrimination is by continuing my mission with my partnerships and collaborations. To many people, by turning up on set and wearing clothes, I merely act as a vessel for fashion brands – but it is so much more than that. I am an extension of representation, offering a space for people like me to be expressive. I can’t change myself and discrimination isn’t going to persuade me – if anything it makes me want to challenge the status quo even more!
CS: You’ve previously discussed how spirituality, meditation, exercise and, overall, focusing on your wellbeing helped shift your mindset in a much more positive way. How important is it to you to practise those things?
RC: This is very important to me. My methods of catering to my wellbeing allow me to have a clearer mind. I can be more grounded and continue my line of work without burnout. It can be a challenge, but if you want to improve your situation it’s always good to work on that instead of waiting for time to pass.
CS: How would you describe your style at this moment in time and how has it evolved?
RC: My style has certainly evolved, and to be fair, having worked with some amazing brands, I have learnt so much that I have adopted a few things along the way. If flared jeans could be a personality, it would be mine! I like to travel light with a woven clutch, but you’ll occasionally see me with a massive tote bag. In my everyday looks, I like neutrals like beige because it works with my skin tone, but when I do need to dress up, then it needs to be a sumptuous black or bold purples, with blues and reds to contrast.
CS: What designer’s work has caught your eye the most in recent months?
RC: Yayoi Kusama comes to mind. She’s not a designer, more of an artist. However she collaborated recently with Louis Vuitton, which I am still obsessed with. There is something eccentric yet uniform in her art, loud yet minimal in its form. I love this crossover between her art form and Louis Vuitton as a platform.
CS: You’ve modelled, owned businesses and created content for some of the biggest brands out there. What drives you to continue evolving and stepping into these different worlds?
RC: It is the exposure to new lessons that keeps me going, and at times I don’t even notice it. I am a multi-hyphenate, I have many interests and I like to branch out. There is no limit to my work!
CS: Are there any creative avenues you’d like to explore in the future?
RC: I have learnt in life to never expose your next steps. But to answer your question without giving away too much, I would like to push for South Asian inclusivity in what I am already doing, but get into entertainment too.
CS: What would your advice be to anyone trying to make it in the fashion industry, whether that be modelling, content creation, designing, etc?
RC: Know your USP, be organic and don’t force yourself into certain moulds. People can sense if you’re not being honest, but most importantly, enjoy what you do, otherwise you will lose connection with your work and, as a result, people will lose interest.
CS: How do you think your younger self would feel about the position you’re in now?
RC: Little Rahi would be surprised. Back then there were so many limitations in my head. Just showing him a fraction of his future would give him infinitesimal motivation.
CS: Do you personally have a set goal you’d like to achieve in your career?
RC: Goals are great for personal development and I have been fortunate to achieve most of mine. Currently I have some in mind for the next few years, but it is essential to give yourself room to wiggle and change direction.
