Learned skills in a wide array of fashion design techniques including
Leather Molding, Hand Embroidery, Laser Cutting, Beading, Textile
Manipulation, Pattern Making, Grading, Merchandizing, Digital Printing,
Garment Construction and Apparel Evaluation.

Conceptualized and launched Fresh Bridal Collection – 2017 and designed
garments for like Lakme Fashion Week (Mumbai), Blender Magic Nights
(Daman), and Fashion Fire (Academy of Design Forecasting, Surat).

Creative Agencies

Fashion

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Streetwear

Swim

Health & Fitness

tecnical design 

art director

Fashion design

Fashion Illustration

Creative Direction

Creative Design and Merchandising

Other

Design Portfolio

Raj Patel: A Journey Through Fashion Activism and Innovation

Raj Patel's design portfolio is a collection of powerful and thought-provoking works that blend creativity with a deep commitment to social and environmental issues. Each project in this portfolio reflects a unique narrative, showcasing Raj's ability to use fashion as a platform for change and awareness.


"Extinction of Animals" Collection (2020)
This collection raises awareness about the urgent issue of animal extinction and environmental degradation. Through innovative use of fabrics, textures, and silhouettes, Raj's designs convey a message about the fragility of our planet and the impact of human actions on wildlife. The collection serves as a visual "whistleblower," encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature and to consider their role in protecting it for future generations.

"Senior Thesis" Collection (2021)
Raj's "Senior Thesis" collection tackles some of the most pressing social challenges of our time, including COVID-19, racism, LGBTQIA+ discrimination, child marriage, and police brutality. Each garment tells a story, using bold colors, unique fabrics, and symbolic design elements to challenge societal norms and inspire conversations around equality, justice, and human rights. This collection invites the audience to reconsider their perspectives on these issues and to imagine a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Evening and Winter Collections (2023-2024)
These collections explore the intersection of luxury fashion and sustainability. Raj integrates eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, proving that high fashion can be both glamorous and responsible. The collections feature elegant evening wear and winter garments, characterized by intricate detailing, sophisticated silhouettes, and innovative textiles, appealing to a modern audience that values both style and sustainability.

Overall Portfolio Vision
Raj Patel's design portfolio is a testament to the power of fashion as a form of activism and storytelling. With a focus on sustainability, diversity, and social justice, Raj's work is a call to action, challenging viewers to see fashion not just as an art form but as a tool for meaningful change. The portfolio captures a journey of creative exploration, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion design while staying rooted in the principles of empathy and awareness.

Extinction of Animals

We all are familiar with the Extinction of Animals. This project is a call to humanity to discern what happened to most of the animals, which can ensure our FUTURE as well. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that I can theme my artwork in a way for people to think about the extinction period meant to the world and how tomorrow can be disastrous to humankind with the prevailing circumstances of climate change and environmental pollution. “This art is a whistleblower to every eye that sees it". The rate with which our earth and its natural resources are dying to satisfy the demands of industries, manufacturing companies, and most importantly unfulfilling human needs. This art aims to draw awareness to people not as a threat, but as an eye-opener of the elimination of species and what can happen to humans in the coming years. For this project, I have used different techniques and materials for each look to spread consciousness about the Extinction of Animals. They left the earth because of us, so are we next? 

World Falling Apart 2021


What could one conquer through fashion? The message we are sending to our coming generation and what we are inviting them for?

Covid - 19, Racism, Wildfires, Police Brutality, Inequality of LGBTQIA individuals, Child Marriage, Social Media harmfulness and influence, and World Falling Apart. Stop and see what is happening in the world around us.

No country is perfect but what are we doing to make it ideal? Can we protect one another from Covid -19? Can we accept people of their humanity, regardless of the color of their skin?

Can we enforce law and order for all citizens fairly? Can we protect Mother Nature? Can we champion the empowerment of women and girls? Can we love one another irrespective of gender or sexual orientation? Can we destigmatize mental illness? Can we balance the use of social media?

So much? Right? So, what will you do? What if you could heal the world through Fashion? 

What message do you want to send the next generation? 



Columbia College Chicago Graduate Raj Patel. Columbia College.
Raj Patel — Columbia College Chicago Graduate

I am a passionate and visionary fashion professional with a diverse and extensive background in design, illustration, creative direction, and marketing. This allows me to bring a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and leadership to every role. I have a natural talent for designing and am deeply inspired by the transformative impact fashion can have on people&#39;s lives. Featured designer in prestigious fashion shows and published in Harper&#39;s Bazaar and BOF. Conducted over 40 photoshoots and participated in more than 30 fashion shows. I designed custom garments for international icons such as Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez. I designed clothes for influencers for major events like the Emmy Awards and the Oscars. I am committed to leveraging my skills to inspire, uplift, and empower, creating unforgettable experiences and lasting impressions through innovative design and creative direction.

Developed innovative concepts: Created fresh ideas for fashion campaigns, photo shoots, advertisements, and collections, crafting unique themes and visual directions that resonated with target audiences and distinguished the brand in the competitive fashion industry. Designed four collections since 2021, each showcasing distinct narratives and visual identities aligned with current trends and cultural influences.

Collaborated with photographers and creatives: Worked closely with a diverse team of professionals, including designers, photographers, stylists, and artists. Leveraged their expertise through collaborative brainstorming sessions to refine and execute creative concepts effectively.

Oversaw artistic direction: Managed artistic direction across fashion shows, lookbooks, and editorial content, ensuring alignment with the brand's aesthetic vision and maintaining high artistic standards.

Fashion Shows & Publications: Featured designer in prestigious fashion shows and published in Harper's Bazaar and BOF. Conducted over 40+ photoshoots and participated in more than 15+ fashion shows. Developed innovative concepts for fashion campaigns, photo shoots, advertisements, and collections. 

Managed project development, even for custom clients: Oversaw projects from inception to completion, managing each stage of development including concept ideation, planning, execution, and final delivery. Maintained quality and consistency throughout the creative process.

Art/Creative Director


Creating and Maintaining Tech Packs: Developed comprehensive tech packs detailing garment specifications, construction methods, and materials to facilitate the production process and ensure consistency in quality and design.

Line Sheet Development and Flat Sketches: Produced line sheets featuring flat sketches created in Illustrator, providing clear visual representations of design concepts, and assisting in the communication of design ideas to stakeholders.

Garment Fittings and Execution: Attended garment fittings, collaborating with the design team to ensure accurate execution of designs from prototypes to production, addressing any fit or construction issues to maintain design integrity.

Production of Trend and Sourcing Packs: Assisted in the production of trend packs and sourcing packs, contributing to the research and selection of materials, trims, and embellishments to align with design concepts and market trends.

Deadline Management: Worked collaboratively with the team to meet design and garment deadlines, prioritizing tasks and maintaining efficient workflow to ensure timely delivery of projects.

Assistance to Senior Designer: Supported the Senior Designer in various aspects of design development, including pattern making, bridal embroidery, stitching, and other design-related tasks, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in meeting project requirements.

Sample Organization: Responsible for organizing and maintaining archive samples, ensuring accessibility and preservation of past design iterations for reference and inspiration.

Logistics Coordination and Sales Support: Authored creative marketing strategies and sales initiatives, coordinating logistics and implementing campaigns to drive customer engagement and sales conversion, aligning with brand objectives and market trends.

 Designer and Illustrator  

Fashion Illustration and Textile Design: Assisted in fashion illustration and textile design, translating creative concepts into visual representations, and contributing to the development of unique fabric patterns and motifs.

Conceptualization of BHAV Designs: Played a key role in conceptualizing the 2022 BHAV designs, encompassing a range of styles including fusion bridal, party wear, and bridesmaid's dresses, drawing inspiration from Indian patterns and motifs to create culturally rich and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Design Development and Consultation: Collaborated with the design team in the development of design concepts, providing valuable input and consultation to ensure alignment with brand vision and market trends.

Tech Pack Creation and Brand Development: Responsible for creating tech packs detailing garment specifications and overseeing brand development initiatives, contributing to the establishment and growth of the BHAV brand identity.

Cost-Effective Design Concept Creation: Demonstrated ability to create design concepts tailored for the mass market, balancing creative vision with cost-effective production methods to deliver appealing designs that resonate with a wide audience.

Trend Research: Conducted in-depth research on current fashion trends, staying abreast of industry developments and incorporating relevant insights into design projects and brand strategies.

Fashion Designer and Project Assistant 

Photoshoot Coordination: Assisted in coordinating photoshoots, and collaborating with photographers, models, and stylists to ensure the successful execution of creative visions and brand objectives.

Fitting Attendance: Attended garment fittings, collaborating with design and production teams to assess fit and make necessary adjustments, ensuring the quality and accuracy of final garments.

Color Board Preparation: Prepared color boards to effectively communicate design concepts and color schemes, facilitating clear communication with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with brand vision.

Collaboration with PR Agencies and Publications: Liaised with PR agencies, brand ambassadors, and magazine publications, facilitating communication and collaboration to maximize brand exposure and media coverage.

Fashion Assistant at Model Atelier Inc

• Assisting Professors and students with troubleshooting patterns, grading patterns, sewing, garment time management skills, garment construction, and helping in making a blueprint of garments. 
• General maintenance of fashion lab, procurement, and management of (35- Freshmen and Sophomores).A window displaying and collaborating with designers and sponsors on ideas, engagement tools, and layouts for Columbia College Chicago.

Working with marketing and social media experts on how to strategize trendy designs and displays. Maintaining logistics, coordination of garments, and graphic designing. 

Student Teaching Assistant Fashion Visual Collaborator 

Footwear Designs and Print Development: Contributed to footwear designs and print development, bringing creative vision to life through innovative design concepts and collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers to execute designs effectively.

Pattern Generation and Tech Pack Development: Generated patterns, developed tech packs, and oversaw garment construction and fabric sampling, ensuring accuracy and quality throughout the production process and facilitating a smooth transition from design to manufacturing.

Customer Interactions and Sales Management: Advocated for positive customer interactions, effectively communicating product features and benefits, up-selling accessories, and managing the sales process to drive customer satisfaction and increase revenue.

Fashion Illustrator and Fashion Designer

Celebrity Garment Design: Developed and designed garments for prominent Bollywood celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Sonam Kapoor, as well as international icons Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez, demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity in catering to diverse clientele.

Monitoring Garments for Shoots: Oversaw garments for movie shootings and photo shoots of celebrities, ensuring impeccable styling and fit for appearances in publications such as Vogue India, contributing to the visual impact and success of these projects.

Design Contributions to Events: Assisted in designing and creating 88 garments for "Shaadi by Marriott" events, showcasing versatility and proficiency in meeting client needs and event themes.

Flat Sketch Creation: Produced 20 flat sketches per production project for potential inclusion in new collections, demonstrating proficiency in visual communication and design concept development.

Collaboration with Design Development Team: Collaborated closely with the design development team, providing assistance and support throughout the design process to ensure the timely completion and quality of design projects.

Fabric and Trim Procurement: Sourced fabrics and trims from the market for upcoming shoots and movie projects, including collaborations with Vogue Indian and films such as "Veere di Wedding" and "Kedarnath," demonstrating resourcefulness and attention to detail in material selection.

Fabric Sourcing and Vendor Procurement: Successfully sourced fabric and materials, collaborated on design development, and facilitated vendor procurement, ensuring the availability of quality materials for production and meeting design requirements.

Mood Boards and Print Conceptualization: Conceptualized mood boards and print designs, drawing inspiration from diverse sources to inform design direction and communicate visual concepts effectively to stakeholders and production teams.

Asst. Fashion Designer

Hand Embroidery and Sample Design: Contributed to hand embroidery and sample design projects, showcasing creativity and craftsmanship in textile embellishments and design concepts.

Quality Control: Conducted quality control inspections on fabric, ensuring adherence to standards for weight, quality, and color, and approving materials for use in production.

Head of Production for Yarns and Textile Materials: Oversaw production processes for yarns and textile materials, coordinating activities to ensure efficiency and quality in manufacturing operations.

Import and Export Management: Managed import and export processes for raw fabrics, facilitating the procurement of materials and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards for international trade.

Fashion Textile Designer

Raj Patel is an Art/Creative Director at Karmic Couture. View their experience, skills and work history on Malakye — the professional network for creative,…

Raj Patel — Art/Creative Director at Karmic Couture

Raj Patel

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Education history

Columbia college Chicago

WLCI