Bodice, the contemporary Indian fashion label led by Ruchika Sachdeva, marked a powerful return to the runway with a showcase of its latest collection at the brand’s flagship store in New Delhi. Rooted in themes of transformation and evolving identity, the collection is the result of a unique collaboration with Bemberg, the regenerated cellulose fiber brand by Asahi Kasei Corporation, Japan.
The collection is a reflection of Sachdeva’s personal and creative journey, expressed through thoughtfully crafted garments made with fabrics woven from Bemberg yarn. Produced in Surat and Varanasi India’s renowned textile hubs the textiles celebrate India’s artisan heritage while reinforcing a forward-thinking design approach. Highlighting Bodice’s commitment to sustainability, the collection merges innovation and intuition, both in its choice of materials and in its form.
The collaboration between Bodice and Bemberg was born out of a cross-cultural dialogue that began in November last year. Asahi Kasei invited Sachdeva to Japan, where she visited Kyoto and Nobeoka in Miyazaki Prefecture home to Bemberg’s manufacturing plant. This immersive journey offered a firsthand experience of Japan’s meticulous craftsmanship and Bemberg’s legacy of responsible textile production since 1931.
Following this, the Bodice team explored Indian textile markets in Surat and Varanasi to hand-select fabrics made from Bemberg fiber. The result is a collection that combines the Japanese reverence for precision with Indian artisanal flair, echoing a balance between heritage and contemporary design.
A strong element of the new collection is upcycling particularly in the form of colour-blocking with repurposed fabric scraps, reimagined into dynamic, structured silhouettes. The brand’s signature brush-printing technique, developed in collaboration with block-printing artisans from Jaipur, lends additional depth and texture to the garments.
“The idea was to create a collection that mirrors my own journey of evolving as a designer and as a person,” said Ruchika Sachdeva. “Japan has always been an inspiration, and this collaboration with Bemberg allowed me to translate that admiration into something tangible. Fashion today is more than visual impact it’s about intention, material, and narrative.”
Takeshi Iitaka, General Manager of the Bemberg Division at Asahi Kasei Corporation, added, “Bemberg has long embraced environmental coexistence, and this collaboration aligns with our philosophy of responsible innovation. We’re proud to partner with Bodice in this cultural and creative exchange.”
Set in a lush spring landscape and complemented by an ambient soundscape, the presentation emphasized movement, form, and introspection. More than a runway show, it was an experience a harmonious blend of cultures and a powerful dialogue between tradition and transformation.
