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Line: Haute Couture
Designer: Shekhar Rahate (Sheh-car Rah-hat)
Site: shekharrahate.com

Shoot Location: The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art

State of the Art

Exotic fabric, intricate detail, ornate colors: these are the elements of a haute couture gown, and designer Shekhar Rahate’s collection of high-class evening dresses more than encompass the beauty and elegance of a high-fashion frock creation. Applying more than 14 years of experience in the fashion industry, Shekhar has created a haute couture line that is both culturally inspired and inspiring. While browsing through his collection of posh evening gowns, it is evident that each dress is a mode masterpiece all its own. And with the variety in styles and fabrics – from form fitting, glistening satin evening gowns that accentuate a woman’s silhouette to flowy multi-pattern fabrics that allow a woman to move with comfort and grace – Shekhar’s gowns not only epitomize couture perfection but are worthy of red carpet attention.

Helium Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Shekhar Rahate: Fashion means passion to me.

HM: How did your Haute Couture line get started?

SR: I was working as a stylist, director, and choreographer for many well-known haute couture designers; I was helping them prepare for their fashion show and other fashion-related projects in Dubai. I liked their work a lot, more than any other clothing industry. Haute couture means a one-of-a-kind dress, for only one client, and that means that you really have to think about what you are going to design and you only work on one girl, one woman at a time.

HM: How long has your Haute Couture line been established?

SR: Seven years.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing your line of Haute Couture?

SR: I just like to transform a person, her personality and her beauty in my gowns. I have been working very hard to understand exactly what my client wants and I always deliver more than what she is expecting. Many of my clients are amazed by what I have created for them.

HM: How does your line of Haute Couture represent San Jose and the Bay Area?

SR: San Jose and the bay area have women with a very settled personality; they don’t like too much revealing, glamorous designs; they like simple and elegant creations and I like to make those kinds of dresses.

HM: What was your inspiration for this line?

SR: My inspiration always comes from the fabrics; I have used some exotic prints and colors this time. I like to keep changing the look of my line every season, and my clients like it and accept it.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

SR: Franco Uomo in San Jose; Grand Trunk in Fremont; and Monique Boutique in San Francisco.

HM: What is your ultimate goal for your line of Haute Couture?

SR: I like to work hard to make my customers happy; I like to go with the flow. I would like to see my gowns on the red carpet one day in the future.

Whether you are looking for an elegant gown to wear to the symphony, or for that perfect dress to wear for a night of dancing at a chic salsa club, Shekhar’s Haute Couture collection offers a gown for any occasion. Just make sure you can pronounce Rahate’s name, because many people will be asking.

Interview by Sophia Papadopoulos

STAFF

Jack Husting – Photographer
Jocelyn Gomez – Makeup & Hair Styling
Lindsay Gardener – Model
Marissa Alava – Model
Tim Walker – Lighting Assistant
Jennifer Giles – Modeling Director
Jennifer Elias – Fashion Aide
Cherelle Cruz – Fashion  Aide
Mercedes Cruz – Fashion Aide