As someone who’s never ventured into a brand collab (aka shared my colouring book with another child) in its three plus years of existence, you’re probably wondering why I finally took the leap… why now?
But maybe the question to ask here really is, “why this one?”, and the answer to that is, because Ekaya Banaras 🤷🏻♀️ I love what Palak Shah has been doing with Ekaya for the last twelve years, and I fully resonate with her philosophy and vision for the saree. She’s always been a gorgeous example and proponent of having the saree be part of your everyday, to make it your own, to wear it your own way, and much like her philosophy, my brand ethos has always been that jewellery doesn’t belong in the locker but on a dressing table — if you know me, you know there’s nothing I love more than harping on about how your bling should blend with your personality, and not just show up as occasion wear 😋
Having been in touch on and off for months if not years now, our colourful chats never really materialised into a real collaboration until we eventually met at the Vogue Voices of Fashion where her authenticity and experience really shone in the room. I’ve always loved Ekaya as a brand, and quite simply put, their clothes go ever so well with my jewellery, speaking the same spirit of India. It probably also has something to do with the fact that we’re both just two ex-Welhamites at heart with the similar core values.
Besides, while I love my country — it’s my biggest inspiration — I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that it’s still predominantly run by men, so when I meet a woman who’s doing cool things and is a real changemaker, there’s nothing more I want than to support that, maybe because I see myself as that person? — I’m no heir of a generational family jeweller, I’m just a girl who loves her Indian art and craft and wants to shake things up around here. So let’s start with my *drumroll* first collab?
