Exclusive: Designer Punit Balana Shares His Favourite Celebrity Collaboration And His New Johari Bazaar Collection!
Designer Punit Balana reveals how people are styling ethnic wear in the modern world!
Fashion has found a way to combine current complexity with a historic look. And, in a world where customers believe that “vintage is the new cool,” designers are working to create styles that cater to many ideas. A designer who believes in similar ideologies is Ounit Balana. With his new collection Johari Bazaar, which is inspired from the streets of Jaipur’s actual Johari Bazaar, the designer has hit it out of the park once again. In an exclusive chat with Huaterrfly, Punit Balana spills the beans on his favourite actors, his recent collection, and his views on the changing trends in ethnic fashion!
Q. We see you experimenting a lot with patterns, less with heavy embroideries. Any specific reason behind it?
A. I’ve always believed that when you get the textile, texture, and construction right, the garment itself speaks volumes. It’s about selecting the suitable fabric for the silhouette and ensuring that the craftsmanship is impeccable. For me, it’s less about adding heavy embroideries and more about thoughtful, precise embellishments that elevate the design. You don’t always need extra embroidery to create a grand outfit. Sometimes, simplicity and the right details can be just as impactful. It’s about balance and letting the fabric and construction shine through.
Q. How does this collection reflect your personal connection to Jaipur and its rich heritage?
A. This collection, Johari Bazaar, is deeply personal for me as it reflects my connection to Jaipur and its rich heritage. During a stroll through Johari Bazaar, I was fascinated by the vibrant energy and the intricate details all around, such as the vivid puppets and Mughal motifs. I wanted to showcase the same in my designs, so you’ll see khaka patterns inspired by the bazaar’s playful forms and Mughal elements woven into the fabric. The colour palette, with its jewel-like hues of Gulaabi Gulaal and Violet, echoes the vibrancy of the market, while the elegant sage green adds a touch of depth. This collection is my tribute to Jaipur’s magic, blending tradition with a modern twist.
Q. You’ve designed clothes for many celebrities such as Sonakshi Sinha, and Shilpa Shetty. Sara Ali Khan, and more. Which celebrity do you enjoy collaborating the most with?
A. I truly enjoy dressing all the celebrities I work with, but Aditi Rao Hydari, Karishma Kapoor, and Shilpa Shetty are my personal favourites. They resonate with my brand, and there’s always a personal connection when I style them. I know their individual styles so well that choosing the perfect outfit for them feels almost instinctive. They’re all fashion icons who have a clear sense of what suits them, which makes the process so much smoother. It’s always been a seamless collaboration, and I’ve never missed the mark with them. It just comes together naturally.
Also Read: Sara Ali Khan’s Bright Pink Punit Balana Lehenga Is Perfect For Your Best Friend’s Shaadi
Q. A dream celebrity client on your Wishlist?
A. A dream celebrity client on my wishlist would definitely be Deepika Padukone. She embodies elegance, confidence, and versatility, which perfectly aligns with my brand’s aesthetic. On an international level, Naomi Campbell has been an icon for me since childhood, and I’d love to style her someday. Dressing her would be a dream come true!
Q. The shapes of the blouses you have designed are not the usual ones but different. What’s your vision behind that?
A. Absolutely, we’ve really pushed the envelope with our blouse designs this season. For the first time, we’ve introduced heavily embellished waistcoats featuring intricate glasswork, Dabka, and Marori techniques, something completely new for the brand. Our handkerchief blouses, which have become a signature over the last few seasons, remain a core part of our collection, but we’ve given them a fresh twist. They still exhibit that modern, sexy, and youthful vibe, but we’ve reimagined the shapes to bring a new perspective. It’s all about evolving while staying true to the essence of our designs.
Q. What is something that you see changing in the way people style Indian ethnic wear? What’s refreshing and what’s not?
A. I’m excited to see how people are embracing a more minimalist approach to Indian ethnic wear, even for festive occasions. Young women are getting very discerning about their fabric choices and the way garments are made, focusing on quality and design rather than just what looks good in photos. There’s a clear shift towards appreciating well-crafted, timeless pieces over those that are just photogenic. It’s great to see this trend toward thoughtful, elegant styling; it highlights the beauty of well-made ethnic wear.
Q. How can someone style Indian ethics while being comfortable this festive season?
A. This festive season, the best way to stay comfortable in Indian ethnic wear is to embrace a minimalist approach. Choose fabrics and silhouettes that are light and easy to wear so you can appreciate the festivities without being burdened by heavy or complicated outfits. When you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, you can fully immerse yourself in the celebration and have a great time. You don’t need to sacrifice style for comfort; elegant, well-chosen pieces can be both beautiful and effortless.
First Published: September 25, 2024 5:45 PM
