About Us
FOUNDERS
Born in the heart of Banaras, Ekaya is a 120-year-old, 4th generation family-owned business that’s always been intent on presenting Indian textiles and crafts through a new lens. With the aim of taking Indian artisanal luxury global, Bharat Shah (Director and Founder) and his daughter Palak (founder and CEO of Ekaya) are reimagining traditional Indian textiles for the new-age consumers of craft.
Armed with degrees from King's College London, Babson, and Harvard Business School, Palak Shah embarked on an unexpected journey to revitalise her family's textile heritage at the age of 21. Recognising the dwindling fortunes of Indian weavers, she set out to create a global platform for traditional textiles without compromising on quality or authenticity. The vision was to change the way Indian textiles were sold and presented in our country.
By empowering a community of over 10,000 weavers and revolutionising Banarasi weaves, Ekaya is transforming these timeless handwoven textiles into versatile essentials for modern women. The combined entrepreneurial spirit and passion for preserving India's textile legacy of both the founders are breathing new life into this centuries-old tradition and transforming how we view Indian textiles.
Ekaya is also the first Indian textile brand to adopt collaborative unions with seasoned designers, stylists, and industry’s experts, making sure they bring a fresh new lens to handlooms. These partnerships not only make traditional Banarasi textiles more approachable but also align with the brand’s larger vision of infusing a modern edge into handwoven fabrics and sarees. Shah believes collaborations are the only way one can allow creativity to flow through Banarasi weaves; when boundaries are tested, creativity is truly explored. “We’re making sarees sexy again! And want it to be a part of your everyday wardrobe,” she confesses, and she truly intends on bringing the same to Ekaya.
Today, Ekaya has five stores across India, including two in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Additionally, we have been featured in several prominent publications, including Vogue, Elle, Grazia, Brides Today, The Voice of Fashion, and Verve Magazine.
Armed with degrees from King's College London, Babson, and Harvard Business School, Palak Shah embarked on an unexpected journey to revitalise her family's textile heritage at the age of 21. Recognising the dwindling fortunes of Indian weavers, she set out to create a global platform for traditional textiles without compromising on quality or authenticity. The vision was to change the way Indian textiles were sold and presented in our country.
By empowering a community of over 10,000 weavers and revolutionising Banarasi weaves, Ekaya is transforming these timeless handwoven textiles into versatile essentials for modern women. The combined entrepreneurial spirit and passion for preserving India's textile legacy of both the founders are breathing new life into this centuries-old tradition and transforming how we view Indian textiles.
Ekaya is also the first Indian textile brand to adopt collaborative unions with seasoned designers, stylists, and industry’s experts, making sure they bring a fresh new lens to handlooms. These partnerships not only make traditional Banarasi textiles more approachable but also align with the brand’s larger vision of infusing a modern edge into handwoven fabrics and sarees. Shah believes collaborations are the only way one can allow creativity to flow through Banarasi weaves; when boundaries are tested, creativity is truly explored. “We’re making sarees sexy again! And want it to be a part of your everyday wardrobe,” she confesses, and she truly intends on bringing the same to Ekaya.
Today, Ekaya has five stores across India, including two in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Additionally, we have been featured in several prominent publications, including Vogue, Elle, Grazia, Brides Today, The Voice of Fashion, and Verve Magazine.
Founders’ Vision
Ekaya’s vision extends far beyond India’s borders. Under the dynamic leadership of our founder and CEO, Palak Shah, we are redefining the global luxury landscape by placing Indian textiles on an international pedestal. By thoughtfully drawing parallels between the timeless Banarasi weave and iconic cultural treasures like Japan’s kimono, Ekaya envisions a future where Indian craftsmanship is celebrated across the world for its beauty, craftsmanship, versatility, and rich heritage.
