Styling Indian Textiles: A Modern Narrative
I do not just pick outfits; I build scenes around the soul of Indian craftsmanship. Whether it is a Kaduwa Banarasi masterpiece or a sooti saree drape, I want you to feel the story behind every thread.
The back view of my Kaduwa Banarasi bandhani saree, draped to showcase the beautiful weave and pallu.
A close-up of the intricate hair jewels, a mix of designer pieces and vintage buttons I found in a small shop in Jaipur, adorning a traditional bun.
A quiet moment in the stunning, year-long-crafted Banarasi bandhani saree, showing its rich color and texture.
A profile shot enjoying a moment of calm, with the traditional gajra and jewellery complementing the beautiful saree.
Adjusting the hair jewels in my traditional bun, a final touch to this heritage look.
The back view of a traditional Kanjeevaram saree look, focusing on the elaborate hair adornments and jasmine flowers (gajra).
A classic look in a beautiful blue and magenta Kanjeevaram saree, paired with traditional temple jewellery.
Experimenting with a simple sooti (cotton) saree, styled in a double knot functional drape without a blouse for a modern, bold take.
The full-length view of the experimental saree drape, paired with modern block heels I designed.
The back view of the green saree look, showcasing an intricate braided hairstyle that adds a structural element.
About India Proud: A Textile Story
When I work with heritage pieces like a Kaduwa Banarasi, I treat them as living archives. I do not believe in just wearing a saree; I believe in draping it to tell a story, often by repurposing vintage findings, like the antique buttons I once hunted in a Jaipur shop, to serve as hair jewels. It is about honoring the craft while finding a modern edge, whether that means a functional double-knot drape for a cotton saree or pairing intricate hand-embroidery with unexpected footwear.
My approach to Indian textiles goes beyond the fabric itself. It is about the dialogue between our craft heritage and the contemporary moment. When I style a piece, I look at the history of the weave, the labor behind the Bandhani, and how that translates to the camera lens.
For archival pieces, I focus on preservation and respect. This means sourcing real vintage jewelry or, when necessary, finding small details that change the context of a look. For modern interpretations, I like to break the rules. A sooti saree might get a double-knot drape to function like a dress, or I might pair a structured vest with combat boots.
The Styling Process:
- Research: I dig into the history of the textile.
- Narrative: Every look starts with a mood or a song.
- Collaboration: I work closely with hair, makeup, and photography teams to ensure the scene feels cohesive.
- Detail: From bindis to buttons, every element serves the story.
Whether it is a red carpet appearance or a conceptual photoshoot, the goal is to make Indian craftsmanship feel accessible, powerful, and deeply personal. I am here to help you own the narrative of your style.
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