Taking Jaipur to the world

Fashion designer Punit Balana celebrates a decade of his label with a new collection and a flagship store in the Pink City

- Deepali Dhingra

For fashion designer Punit Balana, design has always meant focusing on the crafts. So, it is no wonder that when the designer's namesake label turned ten, he returned to his eternal musethe beautiful city of Jaipur-for inspiration and celebration. It is in this city, shaped by heritage and craftsmanship, that his fashion journey had started.

Balana has now opened a flagship store in Jaipur which is a tribute to the brand's roots. Elements like bandhani-inspired textiles, coin-detail curtains, and chaandi tilla mirror frames lend a uniquely Balana signature to the space. On the occasion of his ten-year anniversary, he also unveiled his festive collection Amer, which draws deeply from Jaipur's architectural jewel-the Amer Fort. We caught up with the designer post the show to get a glimpse into his journey...

Excerpts from the interview:

Jaipur continues to inspire you in so many ways. Can you tell us how the city has been your muse for all these years and how it continues to do so?