Bodice's new spring collection offers big feminine energy

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. On 21 March, ready-to-wear label Bodice returned to the runway (a big lawn) in Delhi with a standalone showcase for its spring-summer 2025 collection that blended India’s textile heritage with Japanese influences. At the heart of the collection was Bemberg by Asahi Kasei, a 100% regenerated cellulose fibre, cupro crafted from cotton linter.

Biodegradable, soft, comfortable and breathable, it served as both a medium and a muse. “Japan has always been a huge source of inspiration for me," says Bodice founder-creative director Ruchika Sachdeva. “I got to spend time there, splitting my days between friends and the Bemberg team, which gave me a deeper understanding of their ideologies and approach to design and material innovation." In an interview with Lounge, Sachdeva talks about the collection, for which she collaborated with block-printing artisans from Jaipur, besides the Bemberg team, and why she took a break from the runway.

Edited excerpts: I wouldn’t call it a break as I have been working behind the doors, constantly trying to evolve Bodice, but I took a step back from runway shows because I was questioning their purpose and relevance. Fashion is changing, and I wanted to focus on the real women who wear my clothes—building relationships with them, understanding their needs, and getting direct feedback rather than reaching out just for visibility. That became my priority, and in many ways, it helped me refine my design process.

Now, there was a natural calling to return to showcasing, but on my own terms. Hosting it in my studio, in the space where I live and work, felt far more intimate and meaningful. It brought everything full circle—allowing me to present the collection in a