Rohini Sethi.
As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, designer Rohini Sethi takes immense pride in creating and styling a special look for MLA Aslam Shaikh Sir, marking another meaningful chapter in their association.
Former Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra,Former Guardian Minister, Mumbai City District, Treasurer, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee and 4th term MLA from Malad West Assembly, Mumbai.
For Rohini Sethi, the opportunity to design and style a respected public figure for an occasion as significant as Independence Day is not merely a professional assignment-it is an honour and a responsibility. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to Aslam Shaikh Sir for giving her this wonderful opportunity and for placing his trust in her creative vision.
Over the past three years, Rohini Sethi has had the privilege of designing several looks for MLA Aslam Shaikh, understanding his personality, his public image and his preference for refined, dignified and contemporary Indian dressing. Their continuing association has allowed her to create ensembles that are not only stylish but also reflect the confidence and stature of the leader wearing them.
For the 80th Independence Day, Rohini Sethi created a distinctive haute couture ensemble for MLA Aslam Shaikh, keeping the spirit of the occasion at its heart while giving the look a sophisticated and contemporary character.
The result was exceptionally dapper. Aslam Shaikh Sir looked handsome, elegant and commanding in Rohini Sethi Haute Couture, carrying the ensemble with the effortless confidence that has become synonymous with his public appearances.
The look beautifully complemented his personality-strong yet approachable, distinguished yet contemporary. The styling reflected the dignity expected of a public representative while allowing his individual personality to remain at the forefront.
For Rohini, seeing the final look come together was particularly special. Dressing someone who represents the people and has been an important part of Maharashtra's public life makes the creative process all the more meaningful.
The outfit features a pristine white, impeccably tailored bandhgala-style jacket, paired with matching white trousers. The clean monochromatic palette immediately gives the ensemble a sophisticated and ceremonial character, while the structured tailoring ensures that the outfit retains a sharp, contemporary silhouette.
The classic bandhgala/Nehru collar adds a distinctly Indian character to the look. Its clean, upright neckline frames the face beautifully and gives the ensemble an air of authority and refinement. The front is finished with a neat row of understated metallic-toned buttons, adding subtle detailing without taking away from the purity of the white ensemble.
The jacket has been tailored with a sleek, streamlined fit, creating a polished silhouette while retaining the comfort and dignity expected from formal Indian menswear. The matching trousers continue the monochromatic aesthetic, giving the entire outfit a seamless and elongated appearance.
What makes the look particularly meaningful for Independence Day is the patriotic tricolour accent placed at the chest. The saffron, white and green detailing introduces the colours of the Indian flag in a tasteful and sophisticated manner. Rather than overwhelming the outfit with patriotic elements, Rohini Sethi has chosen a refined statement detail that allows the symbolism to speak for itself.
The styling is completed with rich burgundy-red formal loafers, which introduce a striking contrast against the all-white ensemble. The deep red footwear adds personality and a touch of contemporary flair, making the look feel youthful and fashion-forward while still remaining dignified enough for a national occasion.
The overall styling is exceptionally well balanced. The white bandhgala represents purity, elegance and ceremonial sophistication, the tricolour accent brings in the spirit of patriotism, and the burgundy footwear adds a modern fashion edge.
The result is a look that is both regal and contemporary, traditional and modern-exactly the kind of balance Rohini Sethi strives to achieve through her couture.
The 80th Independence Day is also an opportunity to look beyond the celebrations and reflect on how far India has travelled since Independence.
Over eight decades, India has transformed across technology, infrastructure, education, science, business, sports, culture and global influence. From the early years of nation-building to becoming one of the world's most dynamic and ambitious economies, the country's journey has been one of remarkable resilience, diversity and progress.
Today, India stands as a nation that blends its ancient heritage with modern aspirations. Its cities are evolving rapidly, its young population is shaping new possibilities, Indian talent is making its presence felt globally, and the country's cultural influence continues to grow across the world.
For a designer, this evolution is equally inspiring. Indian fashion itself has travelled an extraordinary distance-from traditional silhouettes and craftsmanship to a global contemporary language that celebrates Indian identity while embracing modern design.
Rohini Sethi believes that fashion can be a subtle reflection of this journey: rooted in Indian heritage, yet confident enough to embrace the future.
Designing MLA Aslam Shaikh for such an important national occasion is a moment of immense pride for Rohini Sethi.
She considers it a privilege that Aslam Shaikh Sir has continued to give her the opportunity to design and style him over the past three years, allowing her to contribute creatively to his public appearances.
His trust in her work has enabled Rohini to explore different interpretations of formal Indian menswear while maintaining the elegance, sophistication and dignity appropriate to his position.
The Independence Day ensemble is therefore more than just another couture creation. It represents trust, collaboration and the coming together of fashion and public life on an occasion that belongs to every Indian.
With MLA Aslam Shaikh looking exceptionally dapper and handsome in Rohini Sethi Haute Couture, the look perfectly captured the mood of the occasion-proud, sophisticated and unmistakably Indian.
As India marks its 80th Independence Day, Rohini Sethi feels grateful to have been given the opportunity to play a small part in celebrating the nation's remarkable journey through fashion.
For her, the creation is ultimately a tribute to India, its progress, its people and the spirit of a nation that continues to move forward with confidence and pride.
