Stitched to perfection

Kolkata-based designer Naina Jain is known for her ensembles that honour traditional crafts and textiles while infusing versatility and modern styling.

Pooja Mujumdar

NAINA JAIN FORAYED INTO DESIGNING WAY back in 1997 following a trunk show of bandhani (a traditional tie-dye technique) saris in Kolkata. She launched her eponymous label with creations that perfectly reflected the wearer’s persona, and today, thanks to her well-known flagship store in Kolkata, tie-ups with multi-designer stores, active social media presence and a welloiled distribution network, Naina Jain caters to women all over the world.

“The Naina Jain woman has a global outlook, loves colours and does not shy away from experimenting with them. At the same time, she still values her roots and appreciates traditional Indian crafts and textiles,” explains Jain. Thus, her collections marry heritage textiles with time-honoured weaving, dyeing and embroidery techniques, often in unconventional combinations. “We also play a lot with colours and introduce bandhani to different fabrics to make our creations more accessible, acceptable and wearable for the modern woman,” adds Jain. The result: ensembles that are a beautiful blend of glamour and old-world charm, making them top choices for celebrities, including Lara Dutta, Lakshmi Manchu, Anuradha Paudwal, Mahima Chaudhary and Rujuta Diwekar.

From Kota to Kolkata

Jain was born in Kota, Rajasthan, where her father owned a Royal Enfield dealership. She recalls spending her days amidst motorcycles and describes her upbringing as liberal, unlike traditional Marwari families. For this, she is especially thankful to her father, who she says was very progressive-minded. “From a young age, I would often accompany him to work, and he would encourage and ensure that I learnt the ropes of the business, such as stocktaking, maintaining accounts, etc. He also gave me complete freedom to get involved in things I was passionate about. He would even accompany me to tournaments that I would be competing in as a state-level badminton player.”