Purab Paschim’s Mughal Musing

Accessories, Accessories Trending, Lifestyle, S/S 2020

August 26, 2021

Purab Paschim's Mughal Musing

S/S 2020

Swarovski king, ANKIT KHULLAR, reinvents old-world royal jewellery and makes it wearable with his brand Purab Paschim. Over the years, Purab Paschim has successfully fostered a bond with its clients by providing them uncompromised quality and exquisitely designed jewellery. For the brand, it is important that the customer connects with the pieces.

Some things are just meant to be. There is no stopping them. As was Ankit Khullar, meant to be one of the country’s most recognised jewellery designers. “Being a graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi and having worked in close coordination with Swarovski India as wholesalers for Swarovski crystals and pearls for entire North India, I have had some great opportunities,” recounts Ankit. He was selected as an entrant at Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair in Hong Kong in 2008, and, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles show in 2009. From here, there was no looking back.

“In 2011, I created an exclusive line for the Weaves of South India show hosted by Swarovski in Chennai,” he says. Ankit’s designs were well appreciated and he went on to create some more masterpieces. Through a blend of sheer hard work and talent, in 2013, Ankit launched his own brand, Purab Paschim—synonymous with perfectly blending heritage designs and modern aesthetics to craft unparalleled jewellery pieces.

But how does one retrieve old world charm and make it contemporary and more beautiful than ever? Purab Paschim has the answer. “Drawing a synergy between the timeless Indian art, rooted in traditional craftsmanship, and blending it with forward-thinking uber designs,” is the key to this conundrum as per Ankit.

Enthused by the majestic Mughal courts, the brand parades bold and royal-looking designs. The endeavour is to transport customers to an era of extravagance and let them revel in royalty. With Nur Jahan as the muse for their “Mughal Mystic” collection, the brand binds together legendary elements of the time and reinterprets them for the modern bride. This signature collection, “aims to find within itself an eternal beauty channelled by a muse, an inspirational figure who enchants, with a nod to the past and an eye on the future,” adds Ankit.

When asked about his most reputed work, Ankit explains, “Each piece is a work of art, painstakingly crafted by interweaving ethereal Swarovski crystals and pearls creating a perfect balance between contemporary and classic.” The pieces are given a plating of gold for that impeccable lustre and patina. The trademark pieces of the brand are its striking hair accessories; whether you are adorning a passa or maang tikka, most of his ornaments go well with every possible ensemble be it “traditional or a swish cocktail dress” as Khullar puts it. The “Mughal Maharani” hair accessory stands out from the array and is one of Ankit’s favourite pieces. This conceptual piece includes two Swarovski laden floral sprays attached to each other with a cluster of pearl strings and a small borla in the centre. While the floral sprays decorate the sides of the forehead, the borla will sit in the centre, highlighting the hairline and accentuating the shape of the forehead. Ankit captions it as a “sure shot statement” piece.

To further enhance the experience of the two subject realms interlaced together, interiors of Purab Paschim stores are engineered to provide an escape into a new world where Indian craftsmanship and modern imagery work in unity, seamlessly. Modular elements such as metal and glass, form the backdrop of the studio architecture, with raw plastered figurines modelling Ankit’s designs. Furthermore, he explains, “Our concept studio, in Delhi, is a space where bespoke services are extended to clients, who love jewellery as a creative expression.” The brand aims to raise the expectation of a personalised experience and make every visit memorable. After being showcased in various fashion weeks in India, the brand now retails from stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Upmarket stores such as Ogaan, Evoluzione, Aza and Pernia’s Popup Show also exhibit its collections. More so, the brand has gained Bollywood attention with many actors, including Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sonam Kapoor, adorning its jewellery.

In response to evolving markets and changing lifestyles of the Indian brideto-be, Ankit feels, “Modern brides today have veered off the typical shiny gold jewellery sets and now want versatile pieces that they can pair with their range of Haute designer bridal outfits.” Thus their bridal collection caters to this niche, dynamic market—their pieces though carry the visage of age-old vintage jewellery is easy to wear and lightweight. Future collections comprise “A blend of pink morganites and blue aquamarines, a collection full of whimsical charm that will always feel fresh and be unique,” says Ankit. The pieces are priced in the range of ₹15,000- ₹85,000.

For Ankit each piece of jewellery is an outlet for a creative expression with its own personality. “Over the years, we have successfully fostered a bond with our clients by providing them uncompromised quality and exquisitely detailed products,” says Ankit.

A job well done, indeed.