Atelier Shikaarbagh: Where Indian heritage meets French elegance

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.

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?

MS: Each sari starts with a story or inspiration. I choose fabrics like French chiffon or Indian silk tissue based on the mood I want to create—whether it’s soft and flowing or structured and elegant. I then work closely with our artisans to add Indian embroidery and embellishments to bring the design to life... Chiffon has a light, ethereal quality that instantly lends a sense of luxury and grace to the garment. Its soft drape and sheer texture have been favourites among royals for decades because it feels regal and looks effortlessly elegant.

BT: How does travel influence your designs?

MS: Travelling exposes me to different cultures, art and architecture, all of which inspire my designs. For example, during a trip to France, I was inspired by the intricate lacework I saw and incorporated similar techniques into my saris. In Rajasthan, I saw local dyeing techniques that influenced my colour palettes.

BT: Do you think Indian artistry gets enough recognition? How would you promote it further?

MS: Indian craftsmanship is certainly getting more recognition, but there’s still so much more potential. To promote it further, I’d love to collaborate with international designers and showcase our artisans’ work globally. Also, hosting more cultural exhibitions can help educate the world about our country’s rich heritage.

BT: How does your atelier cater to NRI clients? Has social media helped boost overseas sales?

MS: We work closely with NRI clients through virtual consultations and social media, making sure we understand their needs. Social media has definitely increased our global presence and made it easier for clients abroad to discover our brand and place orders.

BT: You have the most elite clientele on your roster. How different is it to dress celebrities versus non-celebrities?

MS: Celebrities often have specific requirements for red carpet events or special appearances, so the designs are usually more glamorous. Non-celebrities, on the other hand, often look for something personal and meaningful, especially for weddings. While the requests can differ, both want something unique and special.

BT: How has the bridal market changed in India over the past decade? What’s the most stark difference you notice between the brides of today and earlier generations?

MS: Brides today are more experimental—they want tradition with a twist. They’re willing to mix classic styles with modern elements, which makes designing for them exciting. The biggest difference is the demand for more personalised and unique designs, compared to the more traditional choices of earlier generations.

BT: How do you handle requests for personalisation? What challenges do you face on this front?

MS: Personalisation is all about listening to the client and translating their vision into a design. Brides often want something deeply personal, which can be challenging when it comes to timeframes or sourcing specific fabrics. But it’s always worth it to see their happiness when they see the final piece.

BT: How important is it for creative minds to take breaks? How often do you take time off?

MS: Taking breaks helps you recharge and find new inspiration. I try to take short breaks, especially after completing a collection. It’s during these quiet moments that new ideas often come to me.

BT: What’s in store for the rest of 2024?

MS: We have some exciting things lined up for the rest of 2024, including a new bridal collection that combines vintage elegance with modern trends. I’m working on expanding our international presence, as well as focusing more on incorporating sustainable practices in our production process. I hope 2024 continues to bring innovation and growth to the brand! n

This piece originally appeared in the October- December print edition of Brides Today India

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