Indian artists and brands inspired by the timeless elegance of Jaipur

Tell us, what comes to mind when we talk about Jaipur? Possibly the colour pink? The pink walls of the Pink City? We’ll tell you what comes to our mind when we think about Jaipur. The hand block prints on dupattas, Sanganeri prints on kurtas, Bagru prints on sarees, Leheriya fabrics, the decadent food, their marvellous architecture, folklores, and art—essentially, the city’s rich history in textiles and culture that is truly worth celebrating. And it’s not just us who love it; many a homegrown brand have been drawn to Jaipur's allure. Whether it’s Surliy G’s latest collection, ‘Jaipur, With Love’ or artists trying to capture the colours and culture of the city on their canvases, Jaipur has inspired a rich repertoire of art in various forms. Below are some of our favourite brands and artists that are truly doing their bit to celebrate the city.

Princess Diya Kumari Foundation

At its core, Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), led by Princess Diya Kumari, aims to promote traditional Rajasthani crafts, from Gotapatti embroidery and fine needlework, to Rajasthan’s famous block printing. Everything in the store—think beautiful kurta sets, jewellery, scarves, and other accessories—is crafted by the women artisans. PDKF helps these women gain financial independence by marketing and selling their work to a global audience. They are also given opportunities to learn the craft and upskill for better opportunities.

Anavila

This homegrown brand, with the goal of creating mindful luxury Indian wear pieces, is an ode to the many textile techniques of India, including Rajasthani designs. Here, you’ll find a vast range of Jaipur-special handblock printed sarees. They also offer other prints such as Kalamkari, ikkat, and more, in the form of beautiful sarees, kurta sets, and dresses.

Surily Goel 

The Indian designer known for her lively and experimental collections has recently launched her newest collection named “Jaipur, With Love”. As the name suggests, this collection celebrates everything about Jaipur—the festive spirit and wedding grandeur. The palette of this collection is largely, of course, pink and feature modern interpretations of traditional Rajasthani embroidery and embellishment techniques. In essence, this is a love letter to the city. The collection truly deserves a spot on your shelf ahead of this festive season.

Anita Dongre  

Renowned luxury Indian wear designer, Anita Dongre, loves the city—and that clearly reflects in her pieces, which are heavily inspired by the crafts, architecture, prints, textures, and colours of Jaipur. Earlier this year, the designer held her solo show at the City Palace in Jaipur—a collection that truly highlighted Indian crafts and architecture. In Dongre’s other designs, too, you’ll find that her collections are heavily influenced by Rajasthani techniques like block-printing, Kantha, Gotapatti, and beadwork.

Rias Jaipur

Rias Jaipur is an initiative dedicated to keeping Rajasthani handmade techniques alive. Founded by a group of NIFT graduates, it focuses on two ancient crafts of India: Dabu/Bagru and hand block printing on handwoven fabrics. This endeavour is a blend of the traditional printing and weaving techniques of Rajasthan and West Bengal. Rias Jaipur serves as a bridge between artisanal skills and modern designs. Their creations are minimal, breezy, and contemporary, while still assimilating a touch of Indian essence. 

Neha Luthra

An emerging artist, Neha Luthra’s artwork, explores Jaipur’s unique position as a city that preserves its rich history and heritage while evolving into a modern metropolis. Through her pieces, she seeks to capture the spirited culture of the city on canvas. Earlier this year, her paintings were showcased at Jaipur Art Week, where they received significant appreciation from both critics and art lovers alike. Luthra’s work not only highlights the traditional aspects of Jaipur but also reflects its dynamic transformation. 

Jaipur Watch Company 

Jaipur Watch Company, also India’s first watch company, is truly an ode to the royalty of Jaipur. The intricate designs are inspired by the expansive yet detailed architecture found throughout the city. Their collection, “Brides of Jaipur” is designed to enhance the elegance of a royal bride, while the Rajasthan Polo Watch edition reflects the roots of Rajasthan in almost all of their pieces.

 

Lead image credits: Anavila 
 

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