A fresh perspective on loving yourself

Ritika Dakhna is a 19-year-old freelance model who is also pursuing a Bachelor’s in mass media right now. She worked with us on our launch shoot and was an absolute pleasure to photograph!

Tell us about yourself, what are your interests and things that make you happy?

I am a very compassionate, shy and inquisitive person. My personal interests include traveling and exploring different places around the globe. I love to cook, mostly for myself but I know for a fact that I’m a good baker, baking surely makes me happy. 

How did you get into the industry you work in?

I have felt comfortable in front of a camera ever since I was a kid and even though I was shy, when I was being photographed, I could show a side of me that I repressed otherwise. A part of me always knew that I wanted to get into the industry just with the right guidance at the right time. 

Where do you find inspiration?

“My body is my body. Every part of it.” Marilyn Monroe has been my biggest inspiration. I remember reading an article about her on the internet when I was 15 and the one thing that stuck by was this very quote. I couldn’t accept myself or my curves initially but now I have learnt to embrace who I am.

What does sustainability mean to you and how do you bring it into your life?

I believe sustainable clothing is the future. Mother Nature as much as it gives, is too little for mankind. With so much waste in the fashion industry it is nice to see when brands are able to cut back and provide clothing that is sustainable and safe for our environment. I personally have shifted my desires to shop from malls to local sustainable clothing brands and thrift stores.

What does Reistor represent to you?

According to me, Reistor represents style, comfort and polish. What really struck me was the finishing of the garment, the cuts, the design, the touch of the garments, they were all so light and airy. As a plus size woman, I was happy to see the inclusive sizing and styles offered by Reistor – something I don’t see very often!

One last thing…

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

New York City

The biggest issue with the fashion industry?

The industry isn’t the issue but the taboos around the industry.

3 people dead or alive, that you'd like to invite to dinner?

Marilyn Monroe, Alexa Demie and Masaba Gupta.