VARANA
Started by Sujata Keshavan, Ravi Prasad and Meeta Malhotra, Varana has had to work extremely hard to adapt Indian fabrics to the luxury sector. The three worked on making fabrics stable, with the right kind of hand-feel. Hand-feel is very important to the global luxury market, but not much sought after in India. If printed, the fabrics had to be free of toxic azo dyes. The fabrics draw inspiration from traditional crafts, but innovate with design to make truly modern and sophisticated fabrics, working with garment designers from Italy, France and Japan. “India has so much to offer the world that is beautiful and unique. In a very idealistic way, we wanted to say to the world: ‘See what we can do in India’,” says Keshavan. Next on the agenda is a hybrid model of retail with brick-and-mortar stores, concessions and wholesale in department stores, along with an e-commerce website to sell all over the world. Prices: From £300 (linen shirt, or cotton trousers) to £2,500 (cashmere coat) and £10,000 (one off hand-painted and embroidered heirloom shawl). ~ Pieces written by Chumki Bharadwaj ( for jewellery) and Ridhi Kale ( for decor)