Weekends are all about downtime. After a week full of work to meet deadlines, everybody needs a breather to relax and recuperate. From watching a favourite web series to planning a vacation, weekends are designated as family and me time. Akshika Poddar, co-founder, The House Of Rare, talks to BrandWagon Online about her weekends, favourite vacation destination and more.
What is the one thing you like to do when not working?
Wander through books, places, or thoughts. I thrive on exploration, whether it’s getting lost in a novel, strolling through a new neighbourhood, or diving into the layers of an unfamiliar idea. Discovering different cultures, cuisines, and philosophies keeps my mind curious and my spirit grounded. It’s how I recharge – by stretching the boundaries of what I know and feel.
How do you spend your weekends?
Weekends are a mixed bag – and that’s just how I like them. I lean into whatever mood strikes: catching up with family, spontaneous plans with friends, sipping wine, trying new food spots, or just cancelling everything for a solo day in. It’s a rhythm of connection and solitude, indulgence and introspection – all on repeat.
What are your favourite gadgets?
My essentials are simple, but each one plays a distinct role in my daily rhythm. My phone is my outlet for curiosity – it keeps me connected, informed, and constantly exploring new ideas. My Kindle is where I carry entire worlds in my pocket, offering a quiet escape into stories and perspectives whenever I need them. And my coffee machine? It’s the quiet hum that fuels both creativity and calm, providing those much-needed moments of pause. Together, they form my trio of curiosity, calm, and caffeine.
Given an option to choose another career, what would it be?
I’m deeply moved by stories, people, places, and the emotional experience they evoke – whether through food, art, or design. If I weren’t in fashion, I’d be channeling that love into an experience-first event curation platform – something like Therefore RareFore. A space that celebrates culture, storytelling, and sensory immersion. Basically, a world where conversations, aesthetics, and serendipity meet.
Which is your favourite vacation spot?
India – always. It’s home, heart, and heritage. Rajasthan, especially, calls to me when I crave a soulful pause and want to reconnect with my roots. But truly, every part of India offers something rich and real, each place bringing its own unique energy and story. And then there’s Italy, a country with a beautiful sense of drama. When I need peace, I turn to the quiet charm of Lake Como or the rolling hills of Tuscany. When I seek creative
chaos, it’s Florence and Milan that inspire me. Italy feels like art – loud, soft, poetic, all at once.
Can you recommend a TV show, a movie, and an ad campaign?
If I had to recommend a few favourites, I’d start with The Bold Type – a TV show that beautifully captures ambition, friendship, and finding your voice in a fast-paced world. For a film, The Lunchbox stands out – a quiet, heartfelt story that lingers long after it ends. And when it comes to ad campaigns, two that always stay with me are the Google Reunion ad for its emotional depth and storytelling, and the Fevicol Sofa ad for its clever, iconic humour. Each of these pieces, in their own way, leaves a lasting impression.