Ekaya X 431-88

Ekaya Banaras partners with 431-88 bringing together age-old and time honored Banarasi textiles crafted in contemporary silhouettes embodying ease, movement and wearability. Two fashion-forward women known for their distinctive personal styles come together for a revolutionary collaboration steeped in shared values of inventiveness and self-expression. Palak Shah, CEO & Founder - Ekaya Banaras and Shweta Kapur, Founder & Creative Director 431-88 join creative forces for the first time to refine and redefine the beauty, versatility and timelessness of Banarasi saree, whose history dates back to hundreds of years. 

A creative union of Ekaya's heritage techniques and 431-88's urbane energy driven by a shared love for sarees and the desire to make saree an everyday wardrobe staple. Ekaya has always been at the forefront of making handloom sarees relevant and impossibly modern and now, the design house endeavours to take it a step further with this unique collaboration with Shweta Kapur. The core philosophy behind this union is to make Banarasi textiles effortless and reimagine them into modern pieces which can be worn around the clock.  

The collection draws inspiration from the timeless beauty of textiles, aiming to make them more accessible and relevant to the modern Indian woman. Embracing easy-to-wear silhouettes, each piece is designed with nature-inspired motifs and crafted in a palette of vibrant hues like, co-ord sets, blazer, kurta and pre- draped sarees. Bold shades like fuchsia, reds, and electric blues are juxtaposed with classic black and whites, forming the cornerstone of the collection's aesthetic.

Think handloom sarees that are easy to drape, fun to wear and seamlessly fit into your modern wardrobe—sarees that can be effortlessly zipped. Talking about this unique partnership, Palak Shah, CEO & Founder - Ekaya shares, "We've recontextualised the classic Banarasi saree, and presented it in fluid fabrics like Tissue and Silk. Taking a complete departure from the heavy, traditional Banarasi, we've attempted to reintroduce them in a lightweight and versatile format. These sarees can be effortlessly paired with anything and everything. Moreover, we've experimented with fabrics that women love—they’re fluid, they caress a woman's body in a way that accentuates her silhouette.”

With this collection, Palak's vision is artfully aligned with Shweta's of-the-moment take on draping techniques. All in all, a game changing collection that is a cultural dialogue between tradition and modernity bridging eras and style sensibilities. 

Shweta Kapur, Founder & Creative Director, 431-88 shares, "Textiles act as carriers of tradition across cultures representing the diversity, vibrancy and the richness of our heritage. Through this collaboration of 431-88 and Ekaya Banaras, we wanted to spotlight textiles and reimagine the ways in which they can be worn. Comfort and ease of style are at the front and centre of this collection which are aspects synonymous to our brand, while Ekaya is known for its legacy in Banarasi textiles. Right in time for the festive season, we hope everyone can find their signature piece to kick in the celebrations."

In a world where our lives are getting busier and fashion is evolving rapidly, it’s challenging to master the art of draping a saree. Palak has always spoken about how she will never create a pre-draped saree and instead wanted people to learn the art of draping. "But we had to adapt and come up with a solution that one can just zip and go. For the first time ever, Banarasi textiles are being zipped," Palak explains.

Traditional crafts reconcile with modern designs
Palak’s aim was to make the saree the next Kimono—an international sensation embraced by brands worldwide. The dynamic duo wants everyone to see the saree in a new light, to make it accessible to a younger audience and to show that you don't always need to look west for style inspiration. In your own backyard, from the most traditional city, we're creating outfits that are incredibly chic and sexy.

The collection is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities. Handloom Banarasi fabrics, known for their rich history and intricate weaves take center stage. Each piece is meticulously crafted, incorporating embroideries and modern silhouettes inspired by the beauty of nature. 

Moreover, the unique patterns of the fabric have been realized in a vivid array of eye-catching pop colors embodying a youthful spirit and a playful mood. Drawing inspiration from elements like flowers, water waves and earth textures, the designs are delicate yet bold. From subtle tone-on-tone Tanchoi patterns to lavish Zari metallic designs, every garment tells a story of craftsmanship and innovation.

An ode to the joy of dressing up
This collection inspires you to rediscover the joy of dressing up while still embracing your cultural heritage and taking it to the international stage. It’s about showing saree in a different way, making it more accessible and appealing to younger, modern women who love their roots yet embrace the new.

Designed for the contemporary woman who is dynamic and always on the move, this collaboration explores innovative ways to style handlooms. The collection interprets textiles through pre-draped styles and modern suits, understanding the eccentricities associated with handloom fabrics. It seamlessly integrates the ethos of both 431-88 and Ekaya, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity.

Shot as a captivating travel guidebook through the lens of 431-88 x Ekaya Banaras, the campaign unfolds a kaleidoscopic view of the city. The collaboration stands as a testament to the transformative power of handloom textiles where each ensemble tells a story of cultural exploration and sartorial elegance, inviting the audience to embark on a journey where tradition meets innovation.