The Gajraj collection plays on this idea of the royal power of elephants. Gaj, translates to an elephant in Hindi and Raj, reign. The reign of the elephants. There is an effervescent regalness that is abundant in the collection, as it captures the integral role elephants had in royal life. Elephants were not just respected for their sense of wisdom, but also for their practical roles. Used as transport for the nobility of India, they would also ride the magnificent animals into war. Whilst the wisdom of the elephant is widely respected, so is the supreme air and command they hold of any space they enter. Our collection has tried to replicate the multitude of roles and faces that elephants have in Indian culture. Important figures enclosed in canapes sit astride the backs of these magnificent elephants, as the same image remains present throughout the changing paisley landscapes. The wisdom and power of the elephant is not something that can be replicated.

The collection is steeped with colour, colours we connect with regal heritage. The paisley patterns are backed onto deep purples and crimson reds, bordered with complimentary colours that heighten the visual experience. The repetition of the paisley pattern almost dances across the landscape of the red scarf, as the elephants keep the design grounded. Standing strong, the elephants arrest our attention at the corners of the scarf. Just as the Rajput paintings encased a duality of decoration and spirituality, so do our scarves. The balance between the rolling paisley motifs and the omnipresence of the elephants creates a beautiful design that also captures so much of India’s rich cultural past. It allows any wearer to think more about a country that is so spiritually and artistically influential.