By: Bai Xue
Raisa Rafique’s journey to becoming the youngest Bengali designer to debut her show at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is a powerful narrative of courage, creativity, and resilience. As the founder of Raiue, an e-commerce fashion house she established during the pandemic, Raisa has not only carved a niche for herself as a designer. Still, she has also become a symbol of cultural pride and self-expression in fashion. From the challenges of launching a brand during one of the most uncertain times in history to presenting her work on one of the world’s most prestigious runways, Raisa’s story is one of determination, passion, and an unwavering commitment to breaking barriers.
The Birth of Raiue: A Pandemic Venture
Raiue was founded in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many industries were at a standstill. For Raisa, the pandemic was an unexpected catalyst for launching her brand. “It was a challenging time for everyone, but I saw it as an opportunity to step into the fashion world,” Raisa says. With minimal industry experience but a wealth of passion, she began her venture with a clear vision: to create a brand that would empower individuals through bespoke clothing designed to reflect their unique personalities.
Raisa’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that fashion is not just about clothes; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and self-empowerment. Her brand’s slogan, “Color, Courage, Confidence,” perfectly encapsulates this mission. “When people wear our pieces, I want them to feel confident in themselves, to see a reflection of who they truly are,” she explains. This belief in the transformative power of clothing stems from Raisa’s own experiences, particularly her struggles with Anorexia Nervosa and body dysmorphia. For Raisa, fashion became a refuge, a means of reclaiming confidence and embracing her identity.
Early Inspirations and Personal Struggles
Raisa’s love for fashion began at a young age, when she was just 11 years old. Inspired by her aunt, a Bangladeshi fashion brand Aarong designer, Raisa found herself drawn to the design world. “My aunt worked from an atelier in our building, and I would watch her create beautiful pieces. She became my first mentor,” Raisa recalls. However, her fashion journey was not straightforward. Coming from a family with limited financial resources, Raisa had to get creative with her designs. Rather than buying expensive clothes for special occasions, she would purchase fabric and work with her aunt to create unique outfits.
One of Raisa’s memorable early creations was a purple lehenga she designed for her sister’s wedding. Despite her young age and rudimentary sketches, Raisa’s design became the talk of the event. “That moment was a turning point for me,” she says. “It was the first time I realized how powerful fashion could be in shaping a person’s identity.”
However, Raisa’s journey to self-expression through fashion was not without challenges. At 15, she was diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, a struggle that would deeply affect her sense of self-worth. The physical and emotional toll of the illness led to body dysmorphia, making it difficult for Raisa to feel comfortable in her skin. “Fashion became my coping mechanism,” Raisa reflects. “When I styled myself in clothes that made me feel confident, I could momentarily forget my insecurities. It became a form of therapy for me.”
This experience with fashion as a source of strength deeply influenced Raisa’s design philosophy. She wanted her brand, Raiue, to help others feel the same sense of empowerment that she had found through clothing. “Fashion isn’t about fitting into a mold,” she says. “It’s about clothes fitting you perfectly, accentuating your true self.”
A Transformative Journey: From Startup to NYFW
Launching Raiue was no small feat. Raisa faced numerous obstacles as a young designer with little formal training in the fashion industry. “At first, I didn’t know where to begin. There were so many challenges, from sourcing materials to building a network in the fashion world,” she explains. However, Raisa’s perseverance paid off. She juggled the demands of starting a business while completing her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and soon, Raiue began to gain attention.
The brand’s first major milestone came in 2023 when Raisa received an invitation to debut her designs at NYFW. “It was a surreal moment,” she recalls. “I had always dreamed of showcasing my work at NYFW but never imagined I would be invited so soon.” This opportunity was a testament to Raisa’s talent, dedication, and the growing recognition of her unique voice as a designer.
The show itself was a historic occasion, not only for Raisa but for Bengali representation in the fashion world. Raisa’s collection featured two distinct lines: Gaze, a tribute to Western evening wear, and ইচ্ছা (“Wish” in Bengali), a celebration of Bengali culture through traditional garments like sarees and salwar kameezes. Raisa shares, “I wanted to merge my love for Western fashion with my cultural heritage, creating a collection that reflected both sides of my identity.”
A particularly memorable moment from the show was the performance by Anika Rashid Khan, who sang a Bengali song on stage—a first at NYFW. This addition not only highlighted Raisa’s cultural roots but also marked a significant moment in celebrating South Asian representation in mainstream fashion. “It was incredible to have Anika perform, and her words about my work brought so much emotion to the event,” Raisa says.
The Power of Representation and Breaking Barriers
Raisa’s achievement as the youngest Bengali designer to debut at NYFW carries significant weight for her and the broader South Asian community. “Being the first Bengali designer to show at NYFW is a huge honor, but it also comes with a responsibility,” Raisa says. “It’s important to break down the glass ceiling in the fashion industry. There’s often a divide between designers of different racial backgrounds, and I want to be part of changing that narrative.”
She is deeply committed to advocating for greater inclusivity and equal representation in fashion. While platforms like South Asian NYFW have brought attention to underrepresented designers, Raisa acknowledges that work’s still to be done. “I want to show that talent doesn’t have to be confined to a specific racial or cultural group,” she says. “I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their dreams and break down the existing barriers.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Raiue
As Raiue continues to grow, Raisa’s vision for the brand is ambitious. “My ultimate dream is to turn Raiue into a haute couture house, the first Bengali label to achieve that recognition,” she shares. However, for now, Raisa is focused on expanding Raiue‘s presence globally. The brand has already been invited to participate in several Fashion Week shows next year. Raisa is excited about the opportunity to showcase her work on even more prestigious platforms.
Raisa’s passion for cultural representation and self-expression will remain at the heart of Raiue. “Whether it’s through fusion wear or evening gowns, I want to ensure that we stay true to our roots while embracing contemporary elegance,” she says. “I believe that the future of fashion is about blending cultures, merging the old with the new, and allowing people to express themselves without limits.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Raisa’s story is about resilience, innovation, and believing that fashion can change lives. From her humble beginnings as a young designer sketching outfits for her family to her historic debut at NYFW, Raisa has built more than just a brand—she’s created a movement. Through Raiue, she continues to champion individuality, cultural pride, and the power of self-expression.
“I’ve learned so much through this journey,” Raisa reflects. “It’s about more than just creating beautiful clothes. It’s about helping people feel empowered and confident in who they are.” As Raisa’s journey unfolds, one thing is clear—Raiue is destined for greatness, and Raisa Rafique is just getting started.
Explore more at Raiue’s website and follow us on Instagram @raiue_ for the latest collections and inspiration. Join the journey of Color, Courage, Confidence today!
Published by Zane L.
