Beyond the masterpieces by Raja Ravi Varma, I experienced the diversity of Indian fashion at Baroda Palace
The palace has become a part of the show – its timeless elegance stressing the idea that fashion is also a continuum. Its sprawling Indo-Salonic architecture, its opulent chandeliers and its large rooms bordered by Ravi Varma masterpieces have created an atmosphere that made even the simplest clothes feel like a part of something larger.
Between the exhibition, I was sent back to Gazra Café—A space defended by the Maharani as part of an LGBTQ + initiative – where I have engaged in comforting Misal paving plates, Chaat de Chaat deconstructs, and soft hands, but crisp. The atmosphere of coffee radiated heat and was decorated colorful, the staff sharing stories about how space had become a real community hub – which comes from everyone and offering a feeling of belonging. I spoke to Dhruvraj Padia, the restaurateur and the director, and he shared how coffee reflects Maharani’s vision: a place where tradition and heritage coexist harmoniously with an open and diverse spirit. It is a space that embraces both history and modernity, defending inclusiveness in all corners.
The Maharani and I discussed his passion for preserving textiles and the way this event has come to life on a delicious pink Sharbat of Gazra Café. She spoke warmly how the collaboration between her husband, Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, and Abhishek Agarwal of Purple style Labs made this exhibition possible. It was a partnership that filled the heritage with contemporary Indian fashion. His voice softens by speaking of the importance of platforms like those of Pernia, which bring these experiences in cities like Vadodara who are actively looking for them. She laughed, sharing how her daughters often tease her that their only inheritance will be her saris – and how she picked up a few others at the exhibition to add to their trousseau. There was no greatness in his approach, only a deep understanding of Indian crafts and its preservation, balanced with an embrace of modern design. It then struck me that this is what fashion should always be – not just preservation, but progression.
As the economy of India is growing and consumer tastes change, there is growing fashion demand that is thoughtful, well designed and deeply rooted in Indian identity. The overwhelming answer – hundreds of premises flourishing towards the palace to see the collections – was proof of pudding. I had the chance to speak with several families, and a particularly sweet moment stood out. A mother shared how her daughter had just returned from the United States, and together they were looking forward to this special shopping day for her wedding clothes. What made him even more delicious is that instead of going to another city as they had planned earlier, they were able to take advantage of this experience in their own hometown.
What is happening in Vadodara reflects a broader change across the country. The past and the present intertwined and in this seamless convergence exposed a vision of Indian luxury fashion which extended beyond mainstream metropolises. The emerging markets, formerly neglected by the main fashion players, prove that there is a voracious appetite for luxury. Multibrands shops like those of Pernia which develop in these spaces do not only sell clothes; They shape new cultural conversations on what Indian fashion can be and which can achieve.
Read also:
6 Majestic Palace hotels in India which tell stories of a bygone era
Samantha Akkineni, Shruti Haasan and other southern stars recreate the portraits of Raja Ravi Varma in this 2020 calendar
How Raja Ravi Varma’s painting in Ramayana was transposed on Jamdani for two years
