In the vibrant tapestry of India’s textile industry, Palak Shah emerges as a dynamic force reshaping the narrative of traditional handlooms. As the CEO of Ekaya, a luxury handloom brand, Palak combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary vision, creating a space where Indian textiles seamlessly integrate into everyday life.
Palak Shah’s journey into the realm of textiles began after graduating from King’s College in London with a business management degree in 2012. Choosing to join her family’s century-old textile business in Benares, she embarked on a mission to redefine perceptions surrounding Indian textiles. The result was Ekaya, a brand driven by a commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and a global perspective on the rich heritage of Indian weaves.
“My aim was to ensure that our textiles stand out for their impeccable craftsmanship. The focus needed to shift to the versatility and global appeal of our heritage weaves, and we needed to create a space that allows Indian textiles to be a part of our everyday life,” shares Shah.
Under her leadership, Ekaya has not only revived traditional weaves but has also fostered collaborations that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Partnerships with renowned designers like Abraham & Thakore, Archana Rao, and Masaba Gupta, along with associations with international luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo and Missoni, have propelled Ekaya onto the global stage.
Recently, Ekaya took a bold step into the realm of ready-to-wear fashion, collaborating with French couturiers Pierre & Daniel to launch a collection seamlessly blending handwoven textiles with French tailoring. This move reflects Palak Shah’s commitment to pushing boundaries and introducing Indian textiles in diverse global contexts.
Ekaya’s impact extends beyond the realm of fashion, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of over 8000 weavers. The brand, with an annual turnover of ₹40 crore, has established its presence in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, offering not just handwoven saris and lehengas but also an experiential space for patrons to explore the ingenuity of heritage textiles.
Palak Shah’s visionary approach to sustainable fashion and entrepreneurship garnered her the Woman of the Decade award in May 2018 from the Women Economic Forum. This recognition echoes her efforts in preserving and diversifying textile and handloom traditions.
Among Ekaya’s esteemed clientele are actors Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with sportswomen PV Sindhu and Sania Mirza, a testament to the brand’s universal appeal.
Designer Nikhil Mehra of label Shantanu & Nikhil lauds Palak Shah’s dynamic leadership, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate Indian textiles on the global stage. Palak Shah’s journey unfolds as a remarkable tale of revitalizing heritage textiles and crafting a global identity for Ekaya, making her a driving force in the evolution of India’s textile landscape.
