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When Fashion Meets Patriotism: Rohini Sethi’s Independence Day Tribute Through Menswear

Updated on: 15 August, 2026 05:58 AM IST | Mumbai

Bespoke Stories Studio | bespokestories@mid-day.com

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Independence Day is a celebration of India’s freedom, but it is also a celebration of the people, stories, traditions and identities that make the nation unique. For designer Rohini Sethi, fashion has always been a powerful medium of expression - and this Independence Day, her work found a particularly meaningful connection with the spirit of the nation.

Rohini Sethi had the honour of designing and styling the outfit worn by senior political leader and four-time MLA from Malad West, former Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra and former Guardian Minister of Mumbai City District, Aslam Shaikh, for the 78th Independence Day celebrations hosted by the Bombay Catholic Sabha at Infant Jesus Chapel in Kharodi, Malad West, Mumbai.

As Aslam Shaikh took part in the national flag-hoisting ceremony, wearing an outfit designed and styled by Rohini, the occasion became a beautiful representation of how fashion can complement moments of leadership, public service and national pride.

For Rohini, designing for a public personality is never simply about creating an outfit. Her approach begins with understanding the individual - their personality, presence, profession and the occasion - and translating all of these elements into a look that feels authentic. This philosophy has helped her establish a distinctive identity in the world of menswear, where she combines sharp tailoring, contemporary silhouettes and traditional Indian sensibilities.

Her journey as a designer has been driven by the belief that men’s fashion deserves the same creativity, individuality and experimentation traditionally associated with womenswear. From customised suits and shirts to complete styling, Rohini focuses on creating looks that enhance the wearer’s personality rather than overpowering it. Her attention to fit, fabric, colour coordination and accessories allows each ensemble to become a reflection of the person wearing it.

Her work has taken her across the worlds of fashion, Bollywood, music, sports and public life. She has designed and styled for several well-known personalities, including Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Mika Singh, Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Govinda, Umar Riaz, Tanuj Virwani and international cricket personality Chris Gayle, among others. Her association with political and public figures, including Aslam Shaikh, further reflects the versatility of her design language.

The Independence Day appearance is particularly significant because it represents more than a carefully styled public look. It reflects Rohini’s understanding of the importance of occasion dressing - creating fashion that respects the setting while allowing the wearer to carry confidence and individuality.

For an occasion that celebrates India’s identity, her design philosophy of blending tradition with modernity feels especially relevant. Indian fashion today is evolving rapidly, and designers like Rohini Sethi are contributing to this evolution by demonstrating that contemporary menswear can remain rooted in Indian culture while embracing modern aesthetics.

For Rohini, this Independence Day is therefore not just another styling assignment. It is an opportunity to celebrate India through her own creative language - through craftsmanship, individuality and the confidence that a thoughtfully designed outfit can bring.

As the Tricolour rises, her work reminds us that patriotism can be expressed in many forms. Sometimes, it can be found in the colours we wear, the traditions we carry forward and the creativity with which we represent contemporary India.

This Independence Day, Rohini Sethi celebrates the spirit of a confident, evolving India - one where tradition and modernity walk together, and where fashion becomes another beautiful expression of national pride.