Atelier Shikaarbagh Combining Best Of Indo-French Fashion

Headquartered in Kota Rajasthan, Atelier Shikaarbagh represents a culminated fashion & styling from both India and France. Both countries are known for their signature fashion and trends that entice the whole world, so the idea of merging them and beginning a fashion brand is fundamental to Atelier Shikaarbagh. 

In an interaction with BW Businessworld, Maayankraj Singh, Founder & Head Designer-Atelier Shikaarbagh talked about the inspiration behind his business, and strategies to walk along with the changes in the fashion industry. 

Excerpt:

Can you share the inspiration behind starting your fashion brand?

My inspiration has been my Grandmother Urmila Rajey, who maintained a retinue of Embroiderers who have worked for the family for the past 8 generations. After my MA in History of Arts, I decided to turn this into a business by giving everybody access to this historically important art of hand-embroidered French chiffons.
 
What sets your brand apart from others in the fashion industry?

There is simply no one who has devoted all their prowess to promoting the best of Indian and French artistry into sarees, also experimenting with a modest fashion.
 
How do you incorporate sustainability and ethical practices into your brand's operations?

Sustainability remains very close to our brand, all our packaging is recycled, the scraps from the tailoring units are turned into beds for the furry friends whereas the embroidery raw material is donated to a group of Bhil tribal ladies which enables them to decorate the various handicrafts which are a source of livelihood.
 
What challenges have you faced as a founder in the fashion industry, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is to warm the people with the idea of Chiffon which was highly restricted to the royalty and aristocracy in the present day and age. After the connisures of high fashion rediscovered the beauty and delicacy of chiffons there was no turning back. Secondly, the taboo of a gentleman dealing with women’s clothing ( which has been a norm ) but the amount of love and encouragement I have received from my peers and patrons has been honestly overwhelming.
 
Can you discuss the creative process behind designing your collections?

We foremost start with taking a vacation every winter as a team where we ideate on a theme, and as we only take out one collection a year which remains timeless, we carefully sort out through the family archives which inspires us to help us design and present an admirable collection of garments.