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Khushi Shah Managing Director, Shanti Banaras E stablished in 2019, Shanti, a budding offspring of a 50-year-old manufacturing brand, is led by the brother-sister duo Amrit Shah and Khushi Shah. The brand has inherited a legacy of weavers from Varanasi, whom the family has been associated with for generations. Khushi Shah completed her education at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. The duo’s ability to conceptualise the fabric, visualise the colour and design motifs into the ultimate product has been a step ahead of the industry. They have a powerful sense of community network, which has led the business to maintain loyal relationships with clients and stakeholders. Holding on to the Indian heritage with a progressive outlook, the duo keeps alive India’s artisanship and timeless techniques. By juxtaposing timeless techniques with progressive sensibilities, Shanti has married fashion with its handloom legacy and craftsmanship. In the richest of shades and textures, the brand’s offerings are an eclectic mix. It is known for supporting its artisans, as a fair price label, and helps artisans grow with them “In the brand that you create, it is important to think about every aspect ethically and professionally for it to be truly successful.” while the age-old traditions of handloom weaving as the core of the brand. Krésha Bajaj Creative Director, Krésha Bajaj “G o with your gut,” advises designer Krésha Bajaj. In 2021, she followed her own advice to launch a new vertical, exclusively for men, under the name Krésha Bajaj Homme. Growing up surrounded by the luxurious silks and sartorial finesse of menswear inspired Bajaj to venture into creating bespoke shirts, bomber jackets, sherwanis and bandis for men. The designer is still creating whimsical, lavish and ethereal collections for women under her label Kresha Bajaj. She first shot to fame for her concept of the ‘Love Story Lehenga,’ an intricately embroidered outfit customised to showcase a bride and groom’s journey of love. In an effort to protect craftsmen from the effect of the pandemic, in 2020, Krésha Bajaj along with fellow designer Shubhika Shetty of Papa Don’t Preach started a Care for Karigars initiative. Bajaj has studied in some of the world’s most distinguished fashion colleges including London College of Fashion, Parsons in New York and Paris and Fashion Institute of Design “Go with your gut and you’ll accomplish your dreams.” & Merchandising in Los Angeles, before deciding to return home to Mumbai. She first dipped her toes into the industry with her e-commerce website, Koecsh, an avant-garde label, then launching her two eponymous brands as we know them today. 50 | | 51