Fashion week regular, model, influencer and beauty entrepreneur, 26-year old Rahi Chadda has his fingers dipped in multiple projects. But that wasn’t always his plan. London-based Rahi studied law at Oxford Brookes University and then did his masters in international employee relations at London School of Economics. So, what piqued his interest in fashion? “I’ve always been passionate about it. It all began in 2015 when social media platforms, like Instagram and Tumblr started becoming popular. Back then, I used to just put together looks and take photos. Soon, these pictures started getting attention and appreciation too,” he says. Within a few short years, Rahi has partnered with various luxury fashion and beauty brands, like Paul Hewitt, Chopard, Roja Parfums and Estée Lauder. In an interview with ELLE, he talks about his skincare secrets and style muse…
ELLE: I became a beauty entrepreneur because…
RC:I dealt with acne in my teens and frequented so many dermatologist’s clinics to find a way to get clear skin. I have always loved skincare so launching my beauty boutique, Panache & Marina Skin Aesthetic Clinic in London, came very organically to me. Funnily, the biggest lesson I’ve learnt so far is to not always stick to a plan. Life is unpredictable, take the pandemic for example. While running a business, it’s key to stay focused and work on your goals while being flexible and adapting to changing scenarios.
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ELLE: My top skincare tips are…
RC:I recommend wearing SPF, drinking plenty of water and getting eight hours of sleep. My holy grail products are Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Eye Rescue Cream, 111SKIN’s Rose Gold Mask, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, Dr Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Pollution Drops and my homemade face mask (a mix of turmeric, wholewheat flour, Greek yoghurt and a dash of lemon juice).
ELLE: My definition of self-care includes…
RC: Meditation, positive affirmations about mindfulness and self acceptance.
ELLE: My go-to fashion brands are…
RC: Retail therapy is my greatest indulgence and I like pairing wardrobe basics from high street brands like Topshop, & Other Stories, Uniqlo and H&M with statement designer jackets. Gucci has always been a favourite and currently, I am loving Jacquemus. If I had to pick a place to go shopping, it would be Via Montenapoleone in Milan.
ELLE: The best fashion advice I received…
RC:I remember picking up the quote “Be confident in your own skin” from a self-help book when I was in my late teens and it has really stuck with me.
ELLE: My style inspiration is…
RC: Pharrell. I love his style.
ELLE: My favourite childhood memory is…
Rahi Chadda: My family used to have a country home near the Lake District in Northern England and I would go there during half-term holidays. I really enjoyed cycling around the beach and the district and even just walking to the local coffee shops.
ELLE:A regular day involves…
RC:I start my day at 7am and go for reformer Pilates or boot camp three to four times a week. Then I head to my clinic to check in and make sure everything’s running smoothly or spend time with the team at office.
ELLE: A skill I want to learn…
RC: The piano! I plan to start taking classes soon.
ELLE:A characteristic I admire in others…
RC: Loyalty. In today’s day and age, surrounding yourself with honest people is very important to stay grounded and present in the moment.
Photographs: Anna Michell; Styling: Rahi Chadda & Thomas Lee Brooks; Hairstylist: Louis Maharaj; Make Up: Min; Art Direction: Thomas Lee Brooks; Set Design: Kate Sutton; Assisted by Zak Velsvoir (@zakvelsvoir)
