The queens of the past have always been a standard of how women should be: graceful, strong, and powerful. India, steeped in its royal history, holds these women in high regard. Drawing from this, designer Sanya Batra introduces her debut collection, Modern Maharani. “The collection is rooted in the royal elegance of India’s Maharanis, who are identified by their grace, poise, and quiet authority. However, my interpretation in this collection is tailored for the modern woman of today. Every garment is an ode to legacy, reimagined with a contemporary edge. Even the brand’s logo draws from the Indian epic Mahabharata,” says the designer.
Speaking of historical references for the collection, the designer looked at traditional Indian techniques and royal artistry such as braiding techniques, zardozi, aari, “and French knots with resham work,” Sanya shares. Meticulous hand beadwork and traditional dori embroidery also find a space in the collection, with each element echoing the richness and refinement once seen in royal wardrobes. “The influence is less about a single era and more about preserving the craftsmanship that once defined royal wardrobes.”
The collection looks at traditional silhouettes through a contemporary lens, making it resonate with the modern woman. “We experimented with several trendy silhouettes such as pre-draped gathered skirts, corset-defined waist gowns, fluid lehenga sets, and structured corset skirt ensembles with hand-embroidered accents,” says Sanya. Each piece balances softness with strength, just like the muse the edit is inspired by.
The colour palette is consciously chosen to complement Indian skin tones. Gold anchors the collection as a symbol of power, legacy, and opulence; Rani pink brings bold femininity and celebratory grandeur; deep maroon evokes depth, passion, and inherited tradition; whereas purple-brown tones add richness and maturity. “Shades of orange bring warmth and radiance, symbolising energy, festivity, and fearless self-expression. The greens further enrich the narrative — a deep emerald green reflects power, stability, and royal elegance, while a softer, lighter green introduces freshness, renewal, and modern grace,” adds Sanya.
Fabrics like silk chiffon, georgette, satin georgette, raw silk, and dupion silk are used to bring out the luxury of Indian couture traditions. Silk chiffon and georgette bring fluidity and graceful movement; satin georgette enhances that softness with a subtle sheen; raw silk and dupion silk provide the structural integrity required for corset-defined waists, sculpted blouses, and more tailored forms.
As a debutant designer entering contemporary Indian couture, Sanya hopes to bring a perspective that honours heritage without being confined by it with her brand. “I am deeply aware of how the fashion industry is evolving. Today’s couture client is discerning, digitally aware, and globally exposed—she values craftsmanship but also expects relevance, versatility, and strong design identity. Going forward, I aim to create pieces that align with this shift: heritage-driven yet trend-conscious, statement-making yet thoughtfully constructed, and rooted in authenticity,” she concludes.
Prices start at Rs 41,000. Available online.
Mail ID: anshula.u@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @indulgexpress
For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.