From classrooms to craft clusters, red carpets to research libraries, Dr. Vaibbhavi’s journey spans continents, disciplines, and centuries of Indian textile heritage. As a designer, educator, author, and co-founder of the conscious fashion label Vaibbhavi P, her mission is clear: to celebrate Indian craftsmanship while shaping a global narrative around slow, sustainable fashion.
1. You’ve had a remarkable journey bridging fashion, research, and education. Could you tell us a bit about your early inspirations and what led you to pursue such an interdisciplinary path?
My journey has been fueled by a deep curiosity about how people, cultures, and the Earth evolve together. I explore and share the significant impact that fashion and design have on both individuals and our planet—whether as a designer, educator, researcher, author, speaker, or curator. At heart, I’m a lifelong learner.
2. Your work reflects a deep passion for indigenous crafts and sustainability. What personal values guide your commitment to conscious fashion?
For me, fashion is about dignity—for the maker, the wearer, and the Earth. It must be inclusive, mindful, and built on a legacy of cultural sustainability. I advocate for slow fashion because it celebrates timeless craftsmanship, local resources, and deeply human connections.
3. You and your husband co-lead Vaibbhavi P. How has that partnership influenced your creative and entrepreneurial path?
As co-founders of our label, we share a vision: to create value for people and promote conscious fashion inspired by India’s rich handloom traditions. We focus on circular design innovation and ensure that artisans can thrive in their native communities while contributing to a global aesthetic.
4. Your brand is known for its minimal yet cultural collections. How do you approach the design process?
We draw inspiration from nature, Indian craftsmanship, and everyday elegance. Our collections reflect artisanal luxury through clean, timeless silhouettes that celebrate heritage while being relevant globally.
5. Your book explores the sari through a semiotic lens. How does the sari communicate identity beyond aesthetics?
The sari has stayed relevant for thousands of years, worn everywhere from farms to fashion weeks. It symbolizes power, status, femininity, individuality, and culture. My book, Indian Sari: Sartoria and Semiotics, grew from my doctoral research and explores these deep, evolving narratives.
6. How have perceptions of the sari changed across socio-economic groups?
The sari signifies different things—from marital status and regional identity to non-conformity and self-expression. I’ve seen its meaning evolve dramatically, yet it remains a deeply personal garment.
7. Could you share a personal story that captures this versatility?
I treasure a teal Banarasi silk sari over 60 years old, passed down from my grandmother to my mother and then to me. It was worn for weddings, portraits, and rituals. Each generation made it their own—a timeless thread of love and legacy.
8. How is the sari being redefined in pop culture and by Gen Z?
Today, we see saris styled with sneakers, corsets, jackets—it’s an exciting evolution. Gen Z is embracing the sari in both traditional and inventive ways. They’re unafraid to experiment, yet rooted in values. The sari is not just being worn—it’s being reinterpreted, amplified through social media and storytelling.
9. Pre-draped saris are gaining popularity. Do you see this as dilution or democratization?
While pre-stitched saris offer convenience, they can limit personal expression. The magic of the sari lies in its fluidity—its ability to be uniquely styled each time. Still, innovation is part of tradition. India’s 100+ draping styles prove that diversity and adaptability have always been in the sari’s DNA.
10. What mindset shifts do young designers need today?
Find your authentic voice. Stay informed, research deeply, and use tech tools to address real lifestyle gaps. Trends come and go, but intention and originality endure.
11. If the sari were reimagined globally, what three elements must remain?
Its versatility, its storytelling power, and the wearer’s imagination. The sari gives you the freedom to conceal or reveal, adapt or reinvent—while always remaining deeply yours.
Her Book: Indian Sari: Sartoria and Semiotics An exploration of how six yards of cloth express gender, culture, and history
