THE ROYAL CHOICE

Elegant fabrics with intricate Indian embroideries define the drapes fashioned by Atelier Shikaarbagh.Designer Maayankraj Singh, the creative mind behind the brand, reveals the reason behind their Indo-French fusion, the influence of travel, global expansion plans and more.

-  SHRADDHA CHOWDHURY

Brides Today: How did you come up with the Indo-French concept of design for Atelier Shikaarbagh?

Maayankraj Singh: The idea of combining Indian craftsmanship with French elegance came naturally to me. Growing up, I saw how my grandmother loved wearing the finest French chiffons while celebrating Indian artistry. Atelier Shikaarbagh was born from this, blending the best of both worlds—Indian heritage and French sophistication.

BT: Given that you are a legacy brand, what kind of influence do your grandmother, the late Rani Urmila Rajey of Dholpur, and the late Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, have on your work? What do you think they’d be proud of today?

MS: My grandmother and Rajmata Gayatri Devi were my biggest inspirations. They embodied timeless elegance. Their love for luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring is the foundation of my work. I think they’d be most proud of how I’ve managed to keep their legacy alive while bringing it into the modern era.

BT: How do you translate your ideas into French and Indian chiffon, silk tissue and georgette saris? What about chiffon makes one think of royalty?