Eva Fydrych
Creative | Stylist | Costume Designer
Photo by AOC Photography
"Fashion is not just about what you wear; it's a form of expression that allows us to tell our stories and connect with each other on a deeper level." – Rashi Bindra
Welcome back to "8 Questions With...", an interview series that delves into the minds of creatives and innovators shaping our world. In this edition, we spotlight Rashi Bindra, a dynamic fashion stylist and costume designer currently based in Toronto.
Known for her unique perspective and passion for her craft, Rashi shares insights from her journey, the inspirations that fuel her creativity, and what drives her to make an impact in her community. With a rich blend of Indian, Middle Eastern, and Canadian influences, her story is one of passion, perseverance, and vibrant personal style.
Join us as we explore her memorable experiences and future aspirations in the ever-evolving world of fashion through eight thought-provoking questions that reveal the essence of her work and vision. Get ready to be inspired by her journey and the wisdom she has to share!
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: Can you walk us through how you started your career in the fashion industry and what motivated you to pursue this path?
RASHI: I discovered my passion for the creative side of the fashion industry during my university years. Although I was a tomboy throughout my childhood and adolescence, fashion shows always captivated me. Coming from a business-oriented family, I initially planned to become a buyer for a fashion house and eventually start my own company.
My journey began when I volunteered as a backstage dresser for a charity fashion show. Creative direction and show choreography entered my life before styling did, but it wasn’t until I moved to Toronto in 2014 and in 2018 I officially started styling. Before that, I had already established myself in fashion events, armed with a solid understanding of social media marketing—something quite different from what it is today.
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: What would you consider to be your biggest achievements in your career to date?
RASHI: That’s a tough question to answer! I've been fortunate to achieve several milestones, including winning the MARTY award for fashion in 2019, landing my first show and feature as a costume designer within the same year, co-hosting a fashion podcast for two years, and working on international commercials.
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: How would you describe your personal style?
RASHI: My personal style goes through phases LOL. However I would say my personal style is carefree with a touch of vibrancy. I need to have either an accessory, or shoe or color that pops out.
Rashid Bindra (Photo by AOC Photography)
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: How did your Indian and Canadian heritage influence your work as a fashion stylist and costume designer?
RASHI: This is a fantastic question—one that's rarely asked. My upbringing has significantly shaped my journey as a Punjabi girl creating looks and stories for various creative briefs. Growing up in Dubai, I was influenced by Bollywood and pop icons like the Spice Girls, BSB, and Mariah Carey. Later, in Montreal, I absorbed the city's European flair and hip-hop vibes during high school. This exposure allowed me to understand both markets deeply. I’ve never confined myself to a label; I don’t identify as Indian first and then a creative. Instead, I’ve always believed that I am a creative first, and it’s my talent and skills that drive my work, not my ethnicity.
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: Can you share with us some of your most memorable experiences from your travels, particularly in Dubai?
RASHI: I love to travel. Although I haven't traveled as much as I would like, one of my most memorable trips was to Spain in 2015, particularly Palma de Mallorca. Many reasons come to mind, one of them being staying at a local Airbnb with locals (not a touristy hotel) and exploring their resto-bars, especially Quina Creu, was life-changing. My appreciation for wine began on that trip, and my love for pairings grew.
Le Seu, Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Photo: Unsplash)
Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Photo: Unsplash)
In 2016, I had an unforgettable trip to NYC. It was more memorable than any of my other NYC trips because I flew in to co-host a fashion debate. We had started the debate when Twitter launched (back when it had the 140 characters per tweet limit), and we rebranded and unveiled it at that live debate. We hosted it at the newly launched WeWork before it even came to Canada. After the debate, we stayed up all night drinking wine and eating pizza, and then I rushed to catch my flight. The energy of that trip is still vividly felt even today. I have, of course, returned to NYC since then.
My most recent trip was to Dubai earlier this year. I decided about 20 days before my flight to just go and explore a place I once called home. As someone who values experiences and beauty, I found that there is more to Dubai than the Palm and beach clubs. People work hard, party hard, and get bold when it comes to creativity and business. Attending Dubai Fashion Week re-inspired my love for fashion.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Photo: Unsplash)
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: What have you observed about the fashion scene in the Middle East compared to other parts of the world?
RASHI: In the Middle East, one thing that stood out to me is that both men and women take great care in how they dress and what they wear. I had the chance to explore both old and new Dubai, as well as various neighborhoods of the city. It's not a yoga-pant or sweats kind of place. Bags and shoes are key for any woman—they might be dressed in basics, but their footwear and accessories are high-end. Fashion is treated with respect, with an emphasis on quality and style. People express themselves through their attire, and you can clearly see the distinction between fashion, style, and making modesty the new sexy. There is a vibrant energy, and while the Middle East does enjoy its bling, it often reflects a sense of unapologetic self-confidence.
Fashion Week in Dubai reminded me of the early days in my career and my time at NYC Fashion Week years ago. Fashion presentations there are a form of storytelling and communication, something that I feel is becoming lost here (in Toronto).
BUTTONSCARVES, Dubai Fashion Week SS25 (Photo courtesy of Arab Fashion Council)
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: In your opinion, what are the key qualities or characteristics one needs to be successful in the competitive world of fashion styling and costume designing?
RASHI: In my opinion, to be successful as a fashion stylist or costume designer, it's crucial to know your vision and understand what sparks your creativity. Your path might be much more niche than the stylist you admire or completely different, so don't try to emulate someone else's journey. For example, even though I'm Indian, I never specifically pursued South Asian work. I kept building my portfolio, and eventually, that market and I aligned naturally. Despite being advised to create numerous content videos and showcase fusion styling, it didn't resonate with me, so I only post what I feel passionate about. It wasn't my path.
Another important aspect is to network while also knowing your circle. Not all contacts will lead you to where you want to go, and not everyone will celebrate your success or growth. So, be prepared to develop a thick skin. Lastly, remember that it's always okay to be new at any stage of your career; it's called growth.
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: Could you share with us some of your future goals or aspirations within the fashion industry?
RASHI: What I can share about my future goals is I would love to get back into fashion hosting/fashion communications; I definitely enjoy discussing fashion; and my future goals involve travel for work. There's a few things that I can't talk about just yet but I would definitely love to continue growing and excelling as a stylist and costume designer.
FASHION STUDIO MAGAZINE: Thank you for your time, Rashi. We can't wait to read your first article in Fashion Studio Magazine next week. Welcome to our team!
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