This week we sat down with Bali Bassi, a Punjabi-Canadian model, to get the inside scoop on her experience with the Aisha Rao shoot.
Bali is a rising model taking the fashion world by storm with campaigns for international brands like MAC and Aldo. Bali’s ambitions also extend beyond the runway - she dreams of making a significant impact in international human rights, particularly working with refugees.
Aisha Rao, a visionary fashion designer, has redefined maximalism with her iconic visual palette. As one of the leading Indian designers, her design philosophy is rooted in celebrating traditional Indian craftsmanship. Her pieces often mimic rich tapestries by weaving intricate narratives into her garments.
Read on to hear more about what Bali loves about Aisha Rao, how she adds her signature edgy-ness to Indian outfits, and more.
If you could keep one piece from today’s shoot, what would it be?
If I could keep one outfit from today's shoot, it would definitely be the Trinxet set. I just felt like a different woman in that, and the cut was gorgeous. I loved the embroidery. I loved the beading. It was stunning!
Bali Bassi in Aisha Rao's Trinxet Set
If you wore Aisha Rao to a music festival, which piece would it be and how would you style it?!
I think it would be the Amandine set. It was gorgeous. It flows. It would look gorgeous in the wind and there's a beautiful slit at the side. You could [style] it with big chunky boots and silver jewelry.
Your style is the perfect blend of minimal and edgy. How do you extend this to Indian outfits?
I love adding edge to a sari by adding cool belts, and silver jewelry. I love vintage jewelry, so I have like a little collection going and I love going to vintage markets on the weekends. So I love incorporating that into saris. I just feel like it makes it unique to who you are as well.
What stands out to you about Aisha Rao’s designs?
The Aisha Rao pieces kind of reminded me of paintings. Like a few of the pieces, when you looked at them close up, you couldn't tell it was scenery, but when you backed up, it's just like this gorgeous scenery of a garden. And some of the other ones, they have watercolor designs!
I [personally] love painting as well. So it was special to me that I could incorporate that into my fashion.
