When it comes to pushing the boundaries of textile design, Palak Shah and her brand Ekaya Banaras continue to redefine what it means to be truly unique. Known for her innovation in both silhouettes and fabric craftsmanship, Shah has long established her presence in the Indian fashion landscape through the reinvention of traditional Banarasi weaves. With every new collection, she introduces not only fresh styles but also groundbreaking approaches to how the fabric itself is created.

Her latest collection, 'Silk Dialogues', takes this vision further by drawing inspiration from the rich textile heritage of the East—particularly China. “In every collection, we try to do something unique and different. This season, I brought in the feel of China and its rich fabrics to the weavers in Varanasi and created a blend of two traditions,” says Palak. “We were fascinated by the Silk Route and in general the textiles there. [There's] something very rich and festive and experimental about them.”

To bring this vision to life, she immersed herself in Oriental art, architecture, and symbolism, especially the use of gold in South and East Asian cultures. The result is a fabric line that fuses the ancient Chinese gyasar weave—seen in the traditional Hanfu—with the softness and fluidity of Ekaya’s signature Banarasi silks. The motifs are a stunning visual journey: dragons, peonies, cherry blossoms, cranes, tigers, and lotuses, all meticulously adapted and woven with extraordinary detail. “It’s our years of expertise in the field that allows us to play around and create textiles that are never seen before and also not to forget the generational weavers that have been associated with us who are ready to take on any challenge,” says Palak.

The collection features an exciting mix of saris, lehengas, jackets, and blouses, with each piece sculpted with unexpected cuts, in playful silhouettes, and a bold palette rarely seen in Banarasi textiles—think turquoise, teal, deep purples, and hot pinks. Mandarin collars, knot buttons, and structured seams further infuse the garments with a contemporary global flair while maintaining a rooted elegance. “We have mainly two to three different fabrics—silk, satin, and mushroo. The satin shawl has been our wonder piece in this collection as it’s something we’ve experimented with—the width, the design, the weave—it’s all something never done and all very interesting.”

Silk Dialogues is more than just a seasonal collection; it is a manifesto of Ekaya’s philosophy. “We took the sample of the Oriental fabrics to our weavers and discussed how they can be integrated into the 130-year-old tradition of Banarasi weaving. Every season we push the loom further, across the world,” says Palak. “We’re not just styling the saree to fit in; we’re rewriting its language.”

This collection is a bold statement that the Banarasi sari is not bound by geography or convention. It evolves, transforms, and speaks in every language—visually and culturally. It also asserts that tradition isn’t static; it’s a living, breathing art form capable of endless reinvention.

What sets Ekaya—and Palak Shah—apart is not just a commitment to design innovation, but an ongoing effort to weave together the heritage of Indian craftsmanship with global narratives. The result? Timeless pieces that transcend fashion to become cultural dialogues in silk.