In Conversation with Rukmani Softie

There's something quietly commanding about Rukmani Softie. In a world where style is often loud and fleeting, Rukmani, "Softie"; as she fondly loves to be called, moves with intention, layering nostalgia, mood, and self-awareness into every music she creates as well as her outfits. We sat down with the original Softie to talk evolution, soft power, and what's next for her in 2026.

Bella: Hi Softie

Softie: Hi Bella

Bella: How are you today?

Softie: I’m great, how are you?

Bella: Good. Looking back at 2025, was there a moment where your relationship with style shifted?

Softie: I wouldn’t say there was one particular moment. But with every dress-up moment; each outing, event, or whatever I got dolled up for, there was always something I tweaked. So it was more of a gradual update.

Bella: Based on that, how would you now describe your personal style?

Softie: Right now, I’d say I’m an updated version of who I’ve always been, which is stylish. I’ve always loved playing around with masculine and feminine elements and blending them into something that feels like me.

Bella: That’s so evident in your style. Would you say you see clothing as an extension of your art, something that grounds you outside of it, or a bit of both?

Softie: A bit of both, honestly. I see dressing up as an expression of me, and there’s a piece of me in everything I do. So somehow, it’s all connected.

Bella: What tends to influence the way you dress the most?

Softie: Definitely my mood. How I’m feeling in that moment.

Bella: What about your environment?

Softie: I take elements from my environment, but I still make it work for how I’m feeling.

Bella: Are there any visual references or everyday moments that consistently shape your aesthetic?

I’d describe my fashion as *Y2K with a soft twist*. To me, 2000s fashion is a blend of edginess and femininity, bold and soft at the same time. That balance really resonates with me.

Bella: What was that standout outfit that made you a Garbe fan?

Softie: Oh! I remember this so well. It was when we were styling for *So Fine* this laced- up cropped top with flowers on the bust, paired with corset-style pants. Oh my God! I can never forget that evening. I felt so grand and so beautiful. It’s one of my all-time favorites.

Bella: That’s such an interesting choice. It was actually the final prototype for the Abosede trousers, before we decided to produce them in crepe.

Softie: Really? Wow. That makes it even more special.

Bella: What have you intentionally left behind in terms of style or self-presentation?

Softie: Definitely fitted jeans, the skinny jeans. They’re cute and all with crop tops, but I’m just not feeling them anymore. I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair.

Bella: Fair enough. And in 2026, what are you craving more of creatively and personally?

Softie: I wouldn’t say I’m craving anything in particular. But I’m really excited to build on what I already have and everything I’ve acquired and become this past year.

Bella: Love that. And what should we expect from the 2026 chapter of Rukmani Softie?

Softie: Expect the unexpected.

Bella: Sounds like a movie.

Softie: Exactly. I’m not a regular person. So just know December 2026, I’m owning all the shows. I’m on every stage, getting all the bags. Tell them I’m coming. Tell them.

Bella: I love it! Amen to that.

Softie: It is done!

Bella: If 2026 had a uniform, what would it feel like in your opinion?

Softie: It would be dungarees with a crop top and a boom-box purse. Because I’m going to be *working it*.

Bella: That’s so descriptive.

Softie: Yes! Cute, but make no mistake o, we’re here to work.

Bella: I can totally see the masculine-feminine balance in that.

Softie: Exactly. It’s cute, but intentional.

Bella: As the original Softie, what does *soft power* mean to you right now?

Soft power means having boundaries and enforcing them. And to have boundaries, you have to know who you are. So being powerful means knowing what serves you and having the strength to stand by it. Because it’s not easy. That, to me, is soft power.

Bella: And on that note, what are you carrying forward with intention, and what are you leaving behind without regrets from 2025?

Softie: In 2026, I’m going to nourish what nourishes me. Everything that’s out of my control, I leave to the Creator. The more I grow, the more I trust my own journey. That’s it for me this new year.

Bella: Thank you so much, Softie.

Softie: Thank "You".

Bella: We’re looking forward to catching you on that stage.

Softie: Just be ready for me.

Bella: Oh, we definitely are.

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