They are the men with brains, billions, and what not. But they are equally good with fashion as well. When SpaceX CEO Musk arrived in Bali wearing his ‘batik’ shirt, he stunned everyone.
Made in a tiny Central Sulawesi village, this was the second time he wore it, the first being in 2022. He called it awesome. Similarly, earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg wore a Rahul Mishra print shirt for Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding celebrations.
With the batik and Rahul Mishra prints, the super honchos not only sent across the message that they embrace local culture, it also displayed their fashion sense, away from their typical suit-tie or black t-shirts during business trips or glittery company events. Hyderabad-based designer Gaurang Shah is someone who has seen firsthand how culture and local resources weave timeless textiles one yearns to own. He likens it to a conversation between the region, the artisans, and their creative spirit.
“Think of it like this: in India, we have a vibrant history of using silk and cotton, often woven into intricate patterns like Jamdani. But it’s not just about the materials themselves; it’s about the stories they tell. The delicate handwork and intricate designs speak to our appreciation for craftsmanship and beauty,” says Gaurang.
But the story doesn’t end there. “Culture is constantly evolving, and so are our textiles. We’re seeing exciting fusions happening, where traditional weaves like Jamdani are being reimagined with new yarns, .
