Warmth best defines designer Punit Balana, greeting everyone with big hugs and a bright smile. Hailing from Bikaner and based in Jaipur, Punit recently celebrated the 10-year journey of his label with a lovely fashion show set against the backdrop of the majestic Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. Earlier in the day, he also unveiled his flagship store at Barwara House, done up in beautiful pastels, with Punit’s signatures woven into the aesthetics. We loved the tradition-meets-contemporary vibe that also translated into Amer, his festive 2025 collection, which he sent on the runway later in the evening.

There was a certain free-spiritedness that added to the fusion chic quotient. Punit interpreted modern glam through easy-breezy kedia sets, cropped blouses, short ghaghris, flared lehngas, layered skirts, fitted skirts, off-shoulder blouses, pre-draped styles, and mix-and-match looks. Staying with the vibe of Rajasthan, there were vibrant colours, and we loved the reds and prints on the men.

For Amer, Punit drew inspiration from the stunning Amer Fort in Jaipur, especially the gorgeous Sheesh Mahal. The essence was captured through Punit’s trademark chaandi tille ka kaam, that is a contemporary interpretation of Rajasthan’s tikri mirror work.

Punit revisited some of the colours of his past collections for this milestone collection — Surkh Laal and Gulaabi Gulaal from Utsav (2023), Dry Heena and Mustard from Rabari (2019) — giving them a fresh spin. Raakh, a soft grey, was introduced.

(From left) STARBURST: Diana Penty, Sunny Kaushal, Gurfateh Pirzada and Bhumi Pednekar

Ananya Panday walked the ramp laden with earthen pots and candles, in a silk Gulabi Gulal lehnga, with chaandi tille ka kaam that had silver-sheet embroidery, lending the outfit a dose of festive cheer.

Rajasthani folk music and dance, artisans offering a slice of the Punit Balana world, and lots of camaraderie marked the celebrations.

At dinner, Punit had bear hugs for everyone and "thank you" on his lips. A sense of gratitude made his milestone moment even more memorable.

In a chat with t2, Punit looked back at the making of the show, the last decade of his life, and more.

Congratulations, Punit! The show was such a spectacle! How far back did you start thinking about the showcase?

Amer was actually seeded back in 2023. That was the year I first started imagining a solo showcase with a large, celebratory collection. The plan, however, didn’t materialise then. It was only in December 2024, when the brand was about to complete 10 years, that I decided I wanted to celebrate this milestone in a truly grand way. That’s when Amer really came into the picture, and I began working on this big, beautiful collection. In total, it took me almost seven months to plan and complete the collection, but in my head, it feels like a journey of nearly three years.

Was Rambagh Palace your first choice?

Yes, absolutely. Rambagh Palace is synonymous with Jaipur’s heritage and grandeur, and it felt like the perfect canvas for unveiling Amer. The venue not only represents timeless royalty but also resonates with the ethos of the collection that is modern yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Given how expansive it is, how did you plan the showcase?

Working on such a big collection wasn’t easy for the brand. There were definitely moments when it required immense effort and significant monetary support. But a 10-year milestone is special; it comes only once, and I knew I had to give it my best.

Why was Ananya Panday a perfect brand fit?

Ananya perfectly embodies the spirit of today’s young Indian woman who is confident, effortless, and fun. She wears Indian craft with the same ease as she does contemporary fashion, which is exactly what my brand stands for. Her energy and relatability made her the perfect muse to bring Amer to life.

Coming to the lovely store in Barwara House, Jaipur, tell us about the choice of location…

Barwara House has a quiet, timeless charm that felt just right for our flagship. It’s rooted in heritage yet surrounded by lush greenery, which gave us the perfect backdrop to create an intimate and experiential retail space. For me, it reflects the balance between tradition and modernity that defines the brand.

Can you take us through the aesthetics of the space?

The store is designed to be warm, minimal, yet artisanal. You’ll see arched doorways, terracotta and olive tones, layered with details like bandhni-inspired textiles, coin curtains, and chaandi tilla embroidery on mirror panels. Each element is a nod to Jaipur’s craft and traditions while being presented in a fresh, contemporary way. The space has been imagined to reflect the brand’s ethos. When a customer walks in, it feels like a journey through the brand’s story that unfolds with every corner, texture, and finish. It’s immersive without being overwhelming, allowing the clothes and the culture to shine through together.

You launched it with Amer, your festive line. What we enjoyed most was the element of fuss-free modern glam. What are the elements that make Amer?

Amer is about bringing glamour with ease. The silhouettes are fluid and light, making them easily wearable for long celebrations, while the detailing, whether it’s intricate handwork or statement layering, keeps the craft alive. It’s festive in every aspect, from the colour palette to the embroidery and silhouettes, but still doesn’t lose its contemporary touch. We wanted it to resonate with the woman who seeks timelessness but doesn’t want to compromise on comfort. In that sense, Amer bridges heritage techniques with a refreshing sense of modern glam.

It was a very contemporary collection. How has the Indian girl evolved for you?

The Indian girl today is experimental yet rooted and seeks traditional elements. She wants clothes that let her move freely, celebrate craft, but also look global. She values comfort as much as design, and that shift is what inspires me to create collections that balance both worlds.

Is twinning back or is the modern man taking much more effort to glam up?

I think both! Twinning has become a fun way for couples and families to express their style together. At the same time, men today are investing more into their looks, like experimenting with colour, different silhouettes, and detail just as much as women. It’s exciting to design keeping both in mind.

What has the last decade meant for you?

Describing the last decade in words is not easy. It wasn’t a smooth ride; it was a journey full of bumps, with its fair share of ups and downs. There were days that felt dark and heavy, moments that tested me deeply. But through it all, I was fortunate to remain inspired and motivated. My creativity never left me; I always had the urge to explore, to create something new. That constant flow of ideas and passion is what kept me moving forward, and it’s what has brought me to where I stand today.