SHAPE
The shape layer interacts with the viewer first. It is the simple, structured, and powerful silhouettes of the pieces — the shapes that they represent.
RŪPA is a Sanskrit word meaning “form” ~ referring to the physical appearance of objects in yogic philosophy.
The underlying notion behind the brand’s name is to emphasise that the clothes and accessories we wear represent the form we show to the outside world.
RŪPA presents itself in three layers.
FORM
The next layer that the viewer encounters is the form layer. Here, material and craftsmanship take precedence: rich, considered fabrics are shaped with precision, giving weight and substance to the piece.
MATTER
The final layer is the matter layer, the most intimate and personal dimension of the garment. Through subtle motifs and refined embellishments, each piece reveals its deeper narrative. This layer reflects the care, intention, and quiet effort required to bring the garment to completion.
RŪPA IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN HOUSE BASED IN CAPE TOWN THAT MERGES THE WORLDS OF ART, FASHION, AND DESIGN IN A MANNER THAT ENCAPSULATES THE SPIRIT OF SHAPE AND FORM.
RŪPA WAS FOUNDED BY HIMIL PARSHOTAM IN 2019 WHILE COMPLETING HIS ENGINEERING STUDIES AT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY.
THE NAME RŪPA WAS CHOSEN BY HIS SISTER, AASHA. SHE UNDERSTOOD ART TO BE THE APPRECIATION OF FORM, SHAPE, AND MATTER AND BELIEVED THAT THIS FORMED THE FOUNDATION OF THE BRAND AND WHAT IT STOOD FOR.
THE BRAND EMERGED FROM A LONG-STANDING PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND A DESIRE TO GIVE THOSE IMAGES A NEW LIFE. FROM AN EARLY AGE, HIMIL WAS DRAWN TO CAPTURING SUBJECTS IN A WAY THAT REVEALED THEIR INHERENT BEAUTY, PARTICULARLY OBJECTS THAT WERE OFTEN OVERLOOKED OR NOT CONSIDERED CONVENTIONALLY BEAUTIFUL. THIS PHILOSOPHY BECAME THE FOUNDATION OF HIS PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK, GUIDED BY THE BELIEF THAT "THERE IS BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING."
COMBINING HIS INTERESTS IN PHOTOGRAPHY AND FASHION, HE BEGAN TRANSFORMING HIS ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS INTO MINIMAL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT WERE APPLIED TO T-SHIRTS. WHAT STARTED AS A WAY TO WEAR AND SHARE HIS ARTWORK SOON EVOLVED INTO RŪPA—A BRAND FOUNDED ON THE INTERSECTION OF ART, DESIGN, AND FASHION, WITH A CONTINUED FOCUS ON CELEBRATING SHAPE, FORM, AND BEAUTY IN THE EVERYDAY.
THE UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY OF RŪPA IS SIMPLE: TO CREATE WORK THAT ITS FOUNDER CAN BE PROUD OF. THIS BELIEF SHAPES EVERY DECISION, RESULTING IN "THOUGHTFUL CREATIONS CRAFTED WITH INTENT".
OBJECTS DESIGNED TO BE CHERISHED, NOT JUST CONSUMED.