About Our Designer:
Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah - Shillong’s leading fashion designer
Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah, a Shillong born lad who grew up in New Delhi, had an artistic streak in him ever since he was a child and after completing his Graduation from Delhi University, he studied fashion design at Pearl Academy of Fashion Designing. After that, he worked for IMAGES Business of Fashion magazine and
the Satya Paul label in Delhi, but he counts his experience in Dubai, UAE - where he worked at Splash of the “Landmark Group”, a leading fashion retailer in the Middle East and part of the same family of brands such as Lifestyle & Max - as a “turning point” in his life.
“Splash was a huge learning ground for me. I travelled a lot abroad and worked a lot with different people. There were many sleepless nights in the office and all of this really opened my horizons. What motivated me is the passion I feel towards my work, having an open mind, being positive and to strive for perfection and nothing less,” Rupert says. Working at Splash in Dubai gave Rupert an important insight into fashion shows – he did Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter Fashion Weeks every year in Dubai as well as abroad where the collections were showcased. He travelled to several foreign countries like Spain, France, Germany, Hong Kong & many more for big fashion shows and met with top designers and the overall experience, in his own words, was “incredible!”
Rupert's most memorable fashion week experience is the "London Fashion Week" in London, England, September 2016, where his extensive work with north-eastern textiles was the star of the show. His collection ethnicity with a modern twist featured sixties inspired shift dresses, pleated check skirts bow tie blazers and slim fit pants, all hand-woven in eri, Muga silk. His wide experience can be seen through his work where modern influences blend seamlessly with his strong foundation in tradition. He has also done several Fashion Shows in India and has become well regarded for giving traditional handloom weaves a modern twist in keeping with a forward-looking outlook to represent his cultural roots. He worked at Splash for more than 7 years, but the desire to make his own mark was too strong to resist. Launching an independent label is a huge risk, and the road to entrepreneurship is rife with pitfalls, but Rupert, who is thankful for the encouragement he received from his family, was determined to take the plunge. In 2012, his label RWL Designs was launched in MUDA Complex, Police Bazaar. His designs are inspired by his Khasi and Jaintia lineage, a culmination of his desire to promote sustainable fashion through traditional wear of his tribal community and aims to revive the indigenous textiles using natural, organic and eco-friendly materials like eri, muga silk, Khadi silk and linen. His Khasi Jainsems and Jaintia Pnar attire is a 2 piece ensemble wrapped around the body. The silhouettes have tribal patterns, appliqué, thread embroidery and surface ornamentation. The fashion house presents shoppers with a range of designer apparel drawn from various influences, ranging from the traditional Khasi-Jaintia outfit known as the jainsem to western and Indian attire, as well as paired accessories, handbags and clutches, ready-to-wear and customised creations. Part of the brand’s philosophy includes commitment to excellent workmanship and finishing. Rupert is mindful of his client’s preferences; the market in Shillong is receptive of his hybrid labour intensive version. Rupert’s collections have a contemporary twist and the generation today demands that. He recently launched 'Rose Bridal Boutique’ on 30th March 2021 - A premium bridal & accessories boutique in New Market Building, Police Bazaar. The Label takes its name from Rupert’s mother whose middle name is – ‘Rose’ and the boutique is dedicated to her who has been his biggest support throughout his career. The collections displayed at the bridal boutique are: Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Flower Girl Dresses & Basket, Bridal Veils, Detachable Trains, Bridal Robes, Accessories, Ring Boxes & Pillows, Bouquets & Boutonnière. Rose Bridal aims to give customers the ultimate bridal shopping experience under one roof, designed especially for the women of our state, Meghalaya. Our designer’s creations are varied, creative and draw on many influences. From jainsems that have a modern, classy finish, to unique western gowns, Rupert’s talent is all too evident. However, he is always mindful of his customers’ tastes.
“Tradition is here to stay and change is the only constant,” he says almost philosophically. “We just have to bridge the gap between the old and the new and create a hybrid that works for all in unison. As an artist, you have to love your work and I do that very much but in the end, if you can't sell your work then there is no point.”
Creating a niche for oneself in a crowded and highly competitive industry is no cakewalk and Rupert has certainly never taken it lightly. His advice for youngsters who want to get their start in the fashion business is also tried and true – get a good foundation, work hard, persevere, be passionate and dedicated.
“All this and a bit of good luck thrown in,” he adds with a smile. He should know – his middle name means “to bring luck”.
