Styling Auras

Going beyond conventional fashion, Rayjai Babauta, Designer and co-founder of Rijai, bridges the gap between the wearer’s inner world and their outer expression. POV takes a closer look at how Rayjai’s creations are not just clothes but a journey through the realms of spirit, mind, and body – a process he terms “styling auras.”

The idea of styling the aura was born from Rayjai’s personal journey of self-discovery. After contemplating leaving fashion for spiritual growth, he realised the two could coexist.

“I’ll spare you the transcendental, out-of-body experiences for another time, but let’s just say I thought I had to leave behind this “fashion world” in pursuit of a more spiritual one. The mere programming of my thoughts into having to give up something that I felt intrinsic joy towards didn’t sit right in any of the chakras of my body. It felt counter-intuitive. And while I never needed a reason to rationalise my affinity for material aesthetics for some reason, I felt like had to defend, justify, and validate everything in my external to match the internal shifts I was leaning into,” he explains.

Rijai aims to create clothes that resonate with the wearer on multiple levels and are meant for anyone drawn to the brand’s ethos, be it fashion enthusiasts or those seeking a deeper spiritual connection through their attire.

“Rijai is multi-dimensional. We like the interplay between the spiritual and the material planes; the emotional and physical; the seen and unseen. It is ultimately a nod to our brand’s creative journey through the realms of spirit, mind, and body,” Rayjai explains.

Regarding the craftsmanship, Rijai focuses on designs that encourage personal expression. “Our design intention is to allow for the wearer to experiment. We intend to deploy thoughtful tailoring to an oversized shape. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it is from the heart and with intention,” he notes.

Looking ahead, Rayjai is excited about bringing more colour and creativity to the brand and continue pushing for a future where clothing is not just about appearance but an extension of people’s higher self.