At a time when modernity often eclipses traditions, Debyani Malhotra has embraced heritage as her defining design language, celebrating India’s rich cultural legacy through masterful craftsmanship. Marrying age-old fabrics and meticulous detailing with contemporary designs, Debyani’s masterpieces juxtapose the past and present, stitched seamlessly for the modern muse. 

While Debyani & Co. came into being in 2015, the seed of the label was sown long before, fueled by Debyani’s innate creativity, instincts, and an eye for detail. Like many of her contemporaries, she honed her craft under the tutelage of some of India’s most celebrated designers before carving out a niche for herself. But those formative stints were far more than a mere introduction to the world of design – they anchored her conviction and solidified a long-nurtured dream of building the brand as we know it today. “I realised this was the world I wanted to be a part of. From there, I just kept moving forward, taking chances and making the most of the opportunities that came my way,” she reflects.

“Debyani & Co. came to life not because of a grand vision from day one, but because of my instinct to create something creative of my own.”

With her eponymous label, Debyani has carved out a voice that is distinctly her own – one that gracefully bridges her traditional roots and global sensibility.“For me, it’s about telling an authentic story of India – one that’s contemporary yet grounded, nuanced yet proudly rooted in tradition. The aim has never been to blend in, but to represent India on our own terms,” she shares. True to that vision, every stitch in her collection reflects a dialogue between India’s rich heritage and artisanal finesse.

A Craft-First Philosophy

Now, over half a decade into her journey, Debyani continues to rely on her instincts to guide her creative process rather than a fixed formula. “Inspiration could come in various forms – it could be an old carpet, a vintage costume, or a piece of textile that catches my eye,” she notes. It is in the quiet act of assembling each creation that her vision takes form, resulting in artful pieces with the calibre to shift the perspective of Indian couture. 

“Our vision has always been to showcase India’s splendour, and topresent it in a way that resonates globally.”

India’s legacy of rich craftsmanship offers a wealth of inspiration, which often finds its way into Debyani’s creations. She believes each technique within the Indian artistic repertoire not just honours the artist, but also carries its own narrative, aligning with her own design ethos. The designer shares, “I don’t believe in limiting myself to one region or style; there’s so much richness to explore. At the heart of it, our work is about revival – breathing new life into century-old crafts and reimagining them in a way that feels relevant today.”

The Language of Celebration

As our conversation turned to festivities and occasion wear, she reflected on its deeply personal nature. “India is all about traditions, and festivals are such a big part of that. They’re not just celebrations but expressions of our culture, and what people wear plays a huge role in that.” 

She believes that every celebration carries its own mood, and each one is painted in hues that echo its spirit. These hues often serve as a starting point for her visual narrative, setting the tone for each collection. Reflecting on the art of festive dressing, she reveals a vision rooted in maximalism. “The goal is that when someone wears one of my creations, they feel like their inner maximalist is shining through,” she adds. Through delicate embellishments, intricate embroidery, and painstakingly handcrafted details, Debyani transforms every festive creation into a living canvas where nostalgia, artistry, and modernity converge.

“At our core, we are an Indian brand – deeply inspired by India’s diversity and heritage.”

A Legacy in the Making

As Debyani’s evolving sartorial narrative continues to unfold with each collection, every creation unveils another layer of her artistic vision. Luminous and luxurious embellishments in Debyani’s masterpieces transcend mere aesthetics – they are emotions embroidered into every seam, embodying the true spirit of celebration.