EXCLUSIVE! Fashion Police| National Handloom Day 2025: Fashion designer Isha Jajodia on how machine is inferior to craftsmanship

Fashion designer Isha Jajodia talks about her collection at the recently held India(BHARAT) Couture Week and how it draws direct parallels to nature.

On National Handloom Day, Isha Jajodia of Roseroom talks how it is important to go slow with fashion to reduce carbon footprints, going vocal for locals, machines being inferior to craftsmanship, pragmatism vs imagination and more.

Edited excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your collection at the India(BHARAT) Couture Week and how it is close to nature?

The collection is less about drawing direct parallels to nature and more about the emotions it evokes: calm, resilience, fluidity, and quiet strength. There’s something deeply grounding about how nature holds space without demanding attention, and that sentiment runs through the silhouettes, the use of lace, and the soft palate. It’s a celebration of organic beauty and the stillness of finding power in ease.

What is your view on the ‘_vocal for local_’ concept in fashion?

 I truly believe in the Vocal for Local movement. It’s not just a concept, it’s a responsibility. As designers, we have the power to uplift communities by working with craftspeople and textile traditions. At Roseroom, our process always begins with the hands that bring the vision to life, whether it’s hand embroidery, lacework, or metal artisanship. Supporting locals doesn’t mean compromising on luxury; in fact, it adds unmatched value, soul, and authenticity to every piece.

What are your favourite fabrics and why?

Lace. I’ve always had a deep fascination with it; there’s something so timeless and romantic about lace, yet it holds endless potential for reinvention. As a team, we’re constantly exploring new ways to interpret it, to give it structure, fluidity, and emotion. It’s delicate but never weak, which I find very powerful.

How is a machine inferior to craftsmanship?

 There’s truly nothing that can match what the human hand can create. The intricacy, emotion, and irregular beauty that comes with craftsmanship is exceptional; no machine can replicate that soul. At Roseroom, we believe in the magic of slow, thoughtful making, where each piece holds a story, a touch, and an energy that only human hands can give.

Your views on pragmatism vs imagination…

I think pragmatism and imagination go hand in hand; one grounds you, and the other sets you free. As a designer, you need imagination to dream, to push boundaries, and create something meaningful. But you also need pragmatism to make it wearable, functional, and relevant. At Roseroom, we try to find that sweet spot where fantasy meets reality, where a bride can feel like herself, but also feel transformed.

How can we promote slow fashion and reduce fashion pollution?

 By focusing on creating timeless pieces, outfits that are not just meant for a single wear, but to be cherished, re-worn, and passed down through generations. Slow fashion begins at the design stage, with thoughtful choices in materials, techniques, and craftsmanship. We strive to create garments that hold emotion and memory, making them worthy of becoming heirlooms, not just fashion statements. That’s how we can slowly shift mindsets and reduce the impact of fleeting trends.