MONICA SHAH AND KARISHMA SWALI
CO-FOUNDERS OF JADE BY MONICA AND KARISHMA AND CHANAKYA SCHOOL OF CRAFT
By Ashwini Arun Kumar
Handcrafted lace saris, ruffled organza numbers, and tulle lehengas in pastel hues, inundated with the most exquisite embroideries and surface ornamentation, coupled with modern cholis – these are just some of the styles from the house of JADE by Monica and Karishma. Although the label has been around for 14 years, it can be credited with revolutionising orthodox designs and bringing them closer to the style of contemporary women who wouldn’t want to subsume their aesthetics for tradition.
Even before JADE, sisters-in-law Monica Shah and Karishma Swali’s artistic bent was seen in their work with Chanakya, an enterprise founded by Karishma’s father in 1986 that has been taking Indian craftsmanship to the world. Christian Dior, Etro, Alberta Ferretti and Gucci are just a handful of names whose collections have featured the work of the artisans who work with Chanakya. It was while applying Indian embroideries to European sensibilities at Chanakya that the idea of JADE was conceived. “We realised we could infuse the beauty of traditional artistry with modern innovation to create ensembles that were unique yet rooted,” recounts Monica. “That is how we started JADE together. We’re enabling Indian crafts to stay relevant.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE GOODNESS OF GHEE
What: The Pure Cow Ghee range for babies with sensitive skin from Himalaya Babycare
Hello Hyderabad!
The Kaftan Company makes its debut in Hyderabad with a physical store
A COSMIC CULINARY JOURNEY
Located in the vibrant heart of Kolkata, That Place Bowl & Bar aims to be something out of the ordinary
BIG ON THE SCREEN
Writer-director INDIRA DHAR is no newcomer to international film festivals, but a standing ovation at Cannes for her latest film was an unforgettable experience. She talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the inspiration, her love for films and more
COMMAND RESPECT EFFORTLESSLY
Try these strategies if you hate not being taken seriously.
FIND CALM IN CHAOS
Deal with difficult situations using the principles of stoicism.
GREENER IN THE CUP
Samiksha Bhowmik details why a cup of matcha needs to be part of your diet
THE BEST OF TWO VIBRANT WORLDS
LYLA, in Mumbai's BKC, seamlessly blends Central American vibrancy with Californian flair
A Melange Of the Middle East & Indian Spices
Bringing contemporary twists to tradition, MERCHANT & ME is a youthful urban space for cuisine and cocktails in Pune
10 REASONS WHY SEYCHELLES COULD BE YOUR DREAM DESTINATION
Seychelles hits all the high notes on the romance roster whether you're on honeymoon or a love break.