About the label Priya Agarwal

What is the name of your label and what does it stand for?
My brand is called Priya Agarwal, a namesake label based in Bangalore that reflects nearly a decade of dedication to thoughtful, expressive fashion. Initially rooted in women\'s prêt and occasion wear, we\'ve recently expanded into menswear while maintaining our core philosophy. The brand stands for individuality, effortless style, and comfort. It caters to confident women, and now men, who embrace their personal style, value quality craftsmanship, and see fashion as a reflection of their inner strength and authenticity.

When was it founded, and what inspired its beginning?
I founded Priya Agarwal in 2015, two years after completing my fashion degree in 2013. After working in the industry for a year and pursuing a diploma in pattern making, I realized there was a gap in the market for clothing that truly balanced comfort with style, something I personally longed for. I wanted to create pieces that combined the richness of traditional Indian textiles with modern, wearable silhouettes. That desire to fill a personal and creative void is what inspired me to start my own label.

What makes your label uniquely Indian?
At Priya Agarwal, every piece is deeply rooted in Indian craftsmanship. All our fabrics are sourced and made in India, and our embroidery is entirely hand‑done, drawing from traditional techniques that celebrate the country’s rich artisanal heritage. While our silhouettes may evolve with each collection, they consistently reflect a distinct brand signature — a seamless confluence of India’s cultural richness fused with contemporary design. This blend of heritage and modernity is what makes the brand uniquely Indian.

About the Founder
Who is the founder?
Hi, I’m Priya Agarwal, the Founder and Creative Director of the brand Priya Agarwal. Born and raised in Bangalore, I pursued my passion for fashion by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Design from NIFT, Chennai. During and after my course, I interned with several leading Indian designers, gaining hands‑on experience in the industry. In 2015, I launched my own label, driven by a vision to create clothing that celebrates individuality, merges comfort with style, and reinterprets Indian craftsmanship for the modern wardrobe.

What’s your background (fashion, art, business, family tradition)?
I come from a family rooted in the aluminium and glass business, so choosing a creative path was a significant shift. I was the first in my family to pursue a college degree, and even more so, the first to venture into the creative field. My background in fashion design, combined with a diploma in pattern making, allowed me to carve out my own space, bringing a fresh perspective shaped by both discipline and imagination.

Do you have any personal connection to the craft, textile, or region your brand represents?
Rather than being tied to a single region or tradition, my connection to Indian craft comes from a deep appreciation for the diversity our country offers. I’ve drawn inspiration from techniques, art forms, and textiles across India. From hand embroideries to vibrant palettes and age‑old weaving traditions, each collection reflects this tapestry.

The Team & People Behind the Brand
Can you tell us about the team behind your label — design, production, marketing, etc.?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing team behind Priya Agarwal. At the heart of it is Manoj, my assistant and right hand. Our skilled team of pattern makers, tailors, and embroiderers bring each design to life. Satatki and Shruti Jaipuria handle operations and provide sound advice. Ruchika and Pratish manage our social media and promotions, and Vinay ensures our online experience is polished and professional.

Do you work with local artisans, karigars, or craft communities?
Yes, absolutely. Our artisans and karigars are all local and in‑house. Depending on the collection, we also collaborate with local weavers, keeping our craft connected to India’s textile traditions.

Craftsmanship & Textiles
At Priya Agarwal, we work with a variety of natural and locally sourced fabrics — cottons, silks, linens, and handwoven textiles — based on the season. Our embroidery is hand‑done and draws from Indian techniques like zardozi, mirror work, aari, applique and resham, all given a modern twist. We celebrate India’s textile diversity, incorporating elements from different states. Where possible, we use organic, handwoven, and ethically produced materials to align sustainability with craftsmanship.

Values & Practices
How do sustainability, slow fashion, or ethical practices show up in your brand?
We follow slow fashion principles by producing only two collections a year, each in limited quantities. We work with organic and pure textiles, and prioritize handmade processes and local sourcing. While fashion can\'t be 100% sustainable, we’re committed to making responsible choices at every step.

How do you approach production — made‑to‑order, small‑batch, zero waste?
We follow small‑batch and made‑to‑order practices to reduce overproduction. We also repurpose leftover fabrics into home furnishings, hair ties, trinkets, and garment bags — ensuring creative reuse and minimal waste.

Design & Aesthetic
How would you describe your design philosophy or signature style? Who is the muse or ideal wearer of your designs?
Our design philosophy is built on modern, wearable silhouettes inspired by daily life. We blend traditional fabrics and techniques with contemporary styles. Our muse is a strong, independent woman — someone who is confident, stylish, and values both comfort and elegance. She experiments fearlessly and uses fashion as self‑expression.

Your India
What does Made in India or Born in India mean to you personally?
For me, Made in India represents a product deeply rooted in India — from fiber to finish. It’s about using local fabrics, supporting artisans, and celebrating our heritage through every creation.

Are there specific regions, traditions, or experiences that influence your work?
My work reflects a tapestry of influences across India’s craft traditions — never one region but an evolving blend across collections.

Looking Ahead
What is your vision for the future of your brand?
To build a brand known for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. We want to create pieces that are revisited season after season because of how they feel, not just how they look. We aspire to set trends — with authenticity, comfort, and heritage at the forefront.

Any exciting launches, collaborations, or growth plans ahead?
Yes! We’re excited to launch a new prêt line called Maravilla — a colourful, playful collection that blends Indian heritage with bold, contemporary style. It’s a celebration of individuality and cultural pride.