The bustling streets of Jaipur’s “Johri Bazaar” came to life on the runway as celebrated designer Punit Balana unveiled his Festive 2024 collection at Lakme Fashion Week. The collection, a love letter to the Pink City, brings forward a maximal approach to artistic prints and saturated colors derived from the vibrant Rajasthani culture, layered and draped in asymmetrical silhouettes suited for multiple body types and sizes—a very wise approach to design.
The show opened with actor Gurfateh Pirzada, setting the tone for the stunning showcase that followed. The audience held their breath as showstopper Sobhita Dhulipala stepped out in a dazzling creation, adorned with custom-made jewelry chosen by Tejpal Ranka, whose craftsmanship added another layer of opulence to the presentation. From start to finish, “Johri Bazaar” beautifully blended Rajasthani culture with modern silhouettes. As the final outfit passed, the energy in the room was undeniable—Balana had not just shown a collection but brought the essence of Jaipur to life, ready to be worn and treasured by those who seek the extraordinary in the everyday.
Designer Punit Balana said, “Through this edition of “Johri Bazaar” at the Lakmé Fashion Week, we aim to celebrate the creative artistry while highlighting the enduring beauty and cultural importance of handcrafted couture. We look forward to presenting collections that will inspire and set new trends in the fashion industry.”
Simpler silhouettes carried Punit Balana’s other-worldly embellishments with style, inviting fashion enthusiasts to dip their toes into his design vocabulary, which only deepened the appreciation for the collection and its many merits.
As evening settled over Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar, designer Punit Balana was filled with inspiration. The market’s narrow lanes, brimming with colorful puppets, ornate wooden blocks, and glittering chaandbalis, became the focus of his latest masterpiece. This chance encounter with the bazaar’s timeless charm showcased a collection that sets Lakme Fashion Week ablaze with its brilliance.
Khaka patterns borrowed from puppet silhouettes mingled with regal Mughal motifs, while the jewel-toned palette—from vibrant Gulaabi Gulaal to rich Baingani—painted a picture of the bazaar’s vivid soul. As the final look swept past, it was clear that Balana had not just created a collection but captured the very essence of Johari Bazaar in fabric and thread.
Ultimately, fabric is just a material; it is the wearer who breathes life into it. “Johari Bazaar” is more than just a collection; it is a narrative of discovery and artistic evolution. Punit Balana invites you to experience the magic and allure of Jaipur’s Johari Bazaar through his eyes, in designs that blend tradition with a contemporary touch, making each piece a timeless treasure.
