The Art of Empowerment: Inside Rina Patel’s World of Couture
Rina Patel is a fashion show director and designer who over the past decade, has helped shape most vibrant international fashion events from Paris and Milan to Monaco and New York, bringing together designers and models from across the globe. As the founder of House of Rina, her newly launched couture label, Patel made her debut at Paris Fashion Days this October with the collection Gulabi Pink - a heartfelt tribute to women’s strength and grace.
“You are not only the creative mind behind House of Rina but also one of the key figures directing major fashion events such as Paris Fashion Days, Milan Fashion Days, and more. Could you tell us a bit more about this side of your work — how it began and what inspires you to bring designers together from around the world?”.
“Fashion has always been something I’ve been deeply passionate about. My journey started about ten years ago when I began helping a local non-profit organize fashion shows for their charity galas. I didn’t realize it then, but those experiences really shaped my love for bringing people together through creativity and style.
As I gained more experience, I was given the opportunity to work with New York Fashion Week, collaborating with designers and models from all over the world. That experience opened so many doors one of them being the chance to work with Zarina (refers Zarina Semnyuk – founder of Paris Fashion Days, Milan Fashion days etc.) as a show director. From there, my path expanded internationally, directing shows and working with incredible designers at Paris, Milan, and Monaco Fashion Days.
What inspires me most is seeing how fashion connects people. Every designer brings their own story, culture, and energy, and it’s such a privilege to help create spaces where those voices come together. We’re still growing, and every event feels like a new opportunity to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the beauty of global fashion”.
“Many emerging designers and models from Armenia are curious about how they can take part in international fashion events like Paris Fashion Days. Could you share how model castings are usually held and whether there are open calls or specific procedures for participants from different countries?”.
“For every show, we organize dedicated casting calls where models have the opportunity to meet our team and designers in person. We usually announce these through our social media platforms, so anyone interested including emerging models from Armenia or other countries can apply directly.
Most of our casting calls are open, as we truly value discovering new faces and diverse talent from around the world. While some designers may have specific looks in mind and occasionally pre-select certain models, the majority are open to meeting and selecting talent during the official casting sessions.
We are always looking for models of different cultural backgrounds, sizes, and even male models, to bring greater diversity and authenticity to the runway. Models are also welcome to reach out to me directly via Instagram, and I’m always happy to share details about upcoming casting dates, times, and participation requirements.
Our goal is to keep the process inclusive and transparent, creating real opportunities for both new and experienced models to become part of an international platform like Paris Fashion Days”.
“Let’s talk about your own fashion house — House of Rina. When was it founded, and how would you describe the DNA and philosophy of the brand?”
“House of Rina was born out of my lifelong love for beauty, storytelling, and the quiet strength of femininity. I launched the brand this season, debuting at both Milan and Paris Fashion Days during Fashion Week an incredible milestone that still feels surreal. From the start, I wanted to create something that went beyond fashion something that makes women feel special when they wear it. Every gown, every detail, is meant to tell a story and celebrate the woman who brings it to life.
For me, the essence of House of Rina is about honoring women in all their forms their grace, confidence, and the way they continue to evolve. Our designs are meant for every woman who wants to express her individuality and embrace her own kind of beauty. I truly believe fashion is one of the most personal forms of self-expression, and each piece we create is an invitation for women to connect with that power.
At the same time, empowerment has always been at the heart of the brand. We work closely with women-centered organizations that support creativity, education, and community growth. Giving back is something I care about deeply it’s part of who we are as a brand and as a team. Because to me, real beauty isn’t just about how something looks it’s about how it makes people feel and the impact it leaves behind”.
“At Paris Fashion Days, you unveiled your latest collection. Could you share the creative inspiration and ideas that shaped it?”
“My latest collection, “Gulabi Pink,” is very special to me and not just because pink happens to be my favorite color. It was inspired by the incredible women of the Gulabi Gang in India, who wear bright pink saris as a symbol of strength and unity while standing up for justice and equality. Their courage and grace truly moved me, and I wanted to honor that spirit through fashion.
The collection celebrates the many sides of womanhood soft, feminine, and confident, yet powerful and resilient. We worked with beautiful fabrics like silk charmeuse and satin that flow and catch the light effortlessly. Each piece is brought to life with handcrafted beadwork, crystals, and gemstones, created by artisans who spent over 150 hours on the details. Through this project, we were also able to provide these artisans with meaningful work that helps them achieve financial independence, something I’m truly proud of.
You’ll also see roses throughout the collection on gowns, skirts, and accessories. For me, the rose symbolizes everything I love about women: beauty, strength, and the courage to bloom in their own way. To bring the story to life, the models wore roses woven into their hair and delicate rose chokers, capturing the collection’s spirit of strength and grace. With Gulabi Pink, I wanted to create more than just a collection. It’s a celebration of women, their stories, and their power wrapped in the color that, to me, represents love, courage, and endless inspiration”.
“You originally come from a background in pharmacy — a field quite different from fashion. How do you find the balance between these two worlds, and does your scientific background influence your creative process in any way?”
“Yes, my journey actually began in pharmacy, which is quite different from fashion, but in many ways, it shaped the person and creative I am today. Pharmacy taught me discipline, patience, and a deep appreciation for precision. It showed me how even the smallest details matter and that same mindset naturally carried over into my work in fashion.
When I design or direct a show, I still approach it with that same balance of structure and creativity. I think of it as blending science and art one keeps me grounded, the other lets me dream. That combination helps me see beauty not just in the finished piece, but in the process of creating it.
Fashion, for me, became the space where I could truly express emotion where I could tell stories, celebrate women, and connect with people on a deeper level. My scientific background gave me the tools, but fashion gave me the voice. Together, they’ve taught me that true creativity often comes from unexpected places and that every part of our journey, no matter how different, can lead us exactly where we’re meant to be”.
"Looking back, how do you reflect on your journey in Fashion?"
For me, fashion has never been just about clothes, it’s about connection, storytelling, and empowerment. It’s about giving women the confidence to express who they are and reminding them that beauty comes from strength, kindness, and individuality.
My hope is that through House of Rina, and every show we create, I can continue to share that message to inspire others to dream boldly, embrace their journey, and always lead with heart. Because when passion meets purpose, that’s where true magic happens”.
Photos by Artur Hudenko and Gabriel Guihard
