The air inside the Taj Palace, the venue of India Couture Week 2026, smelled like roses, sandalwood, and last-minute whispers. Before the beginning of Aisha Rao's show, the anticipation could easily be noticed among the other attendees about what they could see at the collection.
From the moment I took my seat, I knew this was not going to be just another couture presentation but a beautiful display of Indian craftsmanship. As the lights dimmed, soft music started playing, and the first model stepped out, I, along with the attendees, was transported into another world.
From the moment I took my seat, I knew this was not going to be just another couture presentation but a beautiful display of Indian craftsmanship. As the lights dimmed, soft music started playing, and the first model stepped out, I, along with the attendees, was transported into another world.
Aisha Rao's Priyasi: When Couture Meets Timeless Love Stories
Aisha Rao's Priyasi is inspired by the timeless love stories we have seen in cinema, books, or legendary tales. As I grew up with Jane Austen's classic, hearing about Elizabeth and Mr Darcy's love story as one of the inspirations for her collection was a delight. From the eternal tale of Shah Jahan's affection for Mumtaz to Mughal-e-Azam and the tragedy of Anna Karenina, these ballads of love were showcased through Aisha Rao's signature intricate embroidery and craftsmanship.
At Darbar Hall, I was teleported into an enchanting world with every model stepping out wearing a polychromatic colour palette, showcasing a range of emotions in love. The collection had captivated not just first-time viewers of a fashion show like me, but it thoroughly impressed people across different age groups and backgrounds.
The intricate appliqué, along with painterly colour palettes and layered embroidery, has been a staple in Aisha Rao's work throughout, and Priyasi was no exception.
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From the traditional approach to classic bridal lehengas to giving a modern twist to a saree, the first-hand experience of seeing a vision for Indian Couture was memorable.
I did not want the show to end. The serene atmosphere Aisha created pulled me in, and I was not ready to leave it.
Why Was Aisha Rao’s Priyasi Not Your Regular Couture Show?
Priyasi was not just about being a bride, but it was about celebrating love that will remain timeless. It went beyond trends that will fade away and gave me something better: a memory. The kind you get from handwritten letters or the smell of my nani's vintage saree.