Mrunalini Rao

If your designs could speak, what would they say?

If my designs could speak, they would whisper tales of timeless elegance intertwined with modern allure, weaving together traditions and innovations in every stitch and fold.

What are the signature elements in your designs?

The signature elements in my designs are exquisite hand embroidery, intricate embellishments inspired by heritage crafts, and a harmonious blend of traditional motifs with contemporary silhouettes, creating garments that exude grace and sophistication.

Which collection are you most proud of, and why?

‘Chitra’ was a milestone, it was launched in the year 2020, and the brand is seen very differently since the launch of this collection. It was a breakthrough. It’s our big entry into the bridal range. This happened during our first lockdown, I have gone all out making clothes that I would love to wear. Bringing a lot of surface techniques together into one. I thoroughly enjoyed the process and these are the kind of artworks I would like to develop. This collection was a beautiful combination of Indian techniques in contemporary forms. European Vintage Royal Bride in a pastel Lehenga. That was the idea, and Mrunalini Rao’s new range of bridal wear hit the racks.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I believe that I want to create art pieces. I envision treating the fabric and silhouette as my canvas, where I can place something beautiful. I aim to mix techniques and layer them to develop new surfaces, blending contemporary elements with traditional wear. Anything under the sun inspires me to craft new designs. Once, I found inspiration in a view from a café window—a scene that I alone had memorized, imaginary to the rest of the world. I translated this into artwork and created a collection by digitally printing that piece. Another collection drew inspiration from a poem, 'The Brook,' which I studied in school. Sometimes, it's a story I wish to narrate through my garments. I also drew inspiration from a photograph for one collection and a place I traveled to for another. Once, it was a book I read that sparked my creativity. Many such things serve as my inspiration.

Which designer in the world inspires you?

Designers from across the world inspire me, namely, Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi, Rahul Mishra, Dior, Zimmerman, and Elle Saab inspire me.

Share a memorable "aha" moment from your design career.

Just surprised how the course of my journey turned the tables. From being a design student to employing a design student. From being an intern at a design house to sharing the front row seats with the eminent designers. The journey has been wholesome and sometimes when I look back, I can’t believe how it all happened. Every day feels the same, but some much has changed in time