With a philosophy rooted in kindness, respect, and a deep appreciation for global cultures, Rajeev is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a modern polymath. Whether he’s mentoring young doctors in Lebanon, designing statement pieces that fund social causes, or advocating for marginalized voices in the fashion industry, one thing is clear: his legacy is the impact he leaves behind.
Hi Rajeev, welcome to L’Officiel India. Storytelling is a key part of both fashion and humanitarian work. How do you use narratives—whether in medicine, advocacy, or design—to create awareness and inspire change?
Thank you for having me and featuring my new Indian Western fusion collection. We will debut the collection during the Cannes Film Festival this year. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Amongst them are Ukraine, Sudan, and Iraq. With dwindling funds/donations for the most vulnerable population, I had to create more innovative ways to help support my patients and support causes important to me. We work through my non-profit, chiraj.org
Photographer: Javier Photography @_javierphotography Model: Jia Yoo @x_xia.u
If you could design a fashion line inspired by your humanitarian work, what elements or themes would you incorporate into your designs?
It is impossible not to feel pain and despair when one thinks about what these impoverished people have gone through. This is reflected in my humanitarian designs to bring awareness to the uninitiated in the rest of the world. Bravery and all the profits from some of my designs go back to supporting humanity.
Your career bridges the worlds of medicine, fashion, and humanitarian work—fields that may seem vastly different. What’s the common thread that ties them together for you?
That’s easy, love ties all of them together. While on missions in Africa and Lebanon, I’ve had numerous children grab my stethoscope and say that they want to become a doctor. In my heart, I know the logistics won’t permit this. This is why I consider myself very fortunate to be a doctor, and I must use my skills to facilitate love around the world. Fashion, medicine, and humanitarianism feed each other through love.
Ethical responsibility is a growing conversation in the fashion industry. From your perspective as a humanitarian, what should be the next step toward making fashion a force for good?
In the current climate, every designer must be aware of this concept. I do my very best to select talent based on diversity, equity, and equality. Being a feminist myself, I do the very best I can to recruit marginalized women. As designers, we must be cognizant not to pollute the planet for a few extra dollars in profit. Large amounts of clothing are incinerated every year, which in turn contributes to toxic emissions. This, in turn, increases global warming. As a Disaster Medicine physician, I’ve seen first hand the consequences of global warming. Tsunamis, flooding, and forest fires claim numerous lives. I encourage the customer to buy quality timeless products, they can be reused and avoid transient fast fashion trends.
The world’s healthcare systems have been tested in recent years. What is one lesson global leaders should learn from these crises to better prepare for the future?
This is tragic. USAID was established in the 1960s by John F. Kennedy to assist the most vulnerable populations in the world through healthcare. The new administration has abruptly frozen numerous programs that will increase morbidity and mortality. The agency funded $750 million on programs in India last year. However, it’s the African subcontinent that will face the biggest challenges. 20 million people depend on USAID for daily HIV medications to stay alive, and overnight, these funds were frozen. We will have a 40 % surge in tuberculosis and Malaria cases around the world. Europe will have to play a bigger role in global health.
Photographer: Harlan Cone @randramoreproductions
Model: Lucy Bridget Stiegler @lucystiegler
As someone who constantly pushes boundaries in multiple industries, what drives your passion? Is there a personal philosophy that guides you?
Once you truly enjoy every minute of your work, it doesn’t feel like work. Keep believing in yourself and take calculated risks. My philosophy is kindness, respect, and sometimes just stepping away from the industry for a little while. Japan is a country that resonates with my philosophy, and try to go there twice a year to help rejuvenate my soul.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
I started traveling in my mid-thirties; I wish I would’ve started earlier. Traveling humbles you by learning about different cultures and meeting new people around the world. My entire life is summarized in my passport.
Designer Rajeev Santiago Fernando@rajeevfernandomd Photographer: Reagan Stanislaus @reaganstanislaus
What’s next for you? Any exciting new projects on the horizon?
My main focus is to mitigate child trafficking around the world. We recently worked on this in Colombia and are now working in Iraq. Numerous women from the Yazidi population in Kurdistan were held captive by ISIS for years. They were systematically raped, dehumanizied and killed. We help run a mental health clinic and provide transportation for the survivors. I also run a mental health clinic in Ukraine, which also helps Ukrainian women who have suffered sexual assault. July 30 is world trafficking day, and I am having a fundraiser to raise awareness and help survivors, as well as discuss novel technologies that help mitigate this from happening at all. My designs will hit the ramp, and like minded celebrity speakers will be there.
Rajeev serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Aid Initiative in Norway, which has also been providing services in Iraq, Kurdistan, and Northern Syria for many years.
