Designer Aarushi Garg brings Indian art to the global runway through her slow-fashion label’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection.
When Aarushi Garg’s label, Shiro Mani India, earned its place on the Paris Fashion Week runway, it wasn’t just a fashion milestone — it was a moment of cultural storytelling. The designer chose to mark her debut with ‘Qala’, a Spring/Summer 2026 collection that pays tribute to India’s artistic heritage in all its diversity.
Derived from the Persian and Urdu word for art, craft, or skill, ‘Qala’ embodies the soulful mastery behind every creation. Through it, Aarushi has created not just clothing, but a narrative — one that threads together centuries-old Indian art forms with the rhythm of modern design.
India’s Qalas, Reimagined
“I knew this collection had to be more than a celebration of one tradition; it needed to be an ode to the many languages of Indian art,” shares Aarushi.
The collection draws inspiration from multiple regional art forms — Gond from Madhya Pradesh, Warli from Maharashtra, Pattachitra from Odisha, Miniature painting, and Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh.
Unlike her earlier collections, which focused on a single tradition, Qala brings together several, resulting in Shiro Mani India’s most visually layered and diverse edit to date. Each print begins as a hand-painted artwork, later digitised to retain the brushstroke’s raw emotion — ensuring that every motif tells its own story.
Artistic Sensibilities, Modern Palettes
Traditional palettes have been consciously reimagined. “Classic Kalamkari uses deep primary tones, but we’ve introduced soft pastels and baby pinks to make it feel summer-ready,” Aarushi explains.
The Gond art’s signature dots and lines have evolved into abstract stripe patterns and playful motifs like pomegranates — symbolising fertility and abundance. For the first time, the label has also introduced hand embroidery, adding a layer of tactile craftsmanship to select designs.
Texture Tales and Timeless Silhouettes
The Qala edit features around 22 styles, each balancing structure with ease. The silhouettes are versatile — fluid enough for daywear yet polished for evening occasions. “We wanted every look to feel wearable yet distinctive,” she notes.
Expect pre-draped saris, stitched drapes, gathered detailing, and embroidered accents, alongside the label’s signature dresses that celebrate volume and movement. The result: a vibrant and modern wardrobe steeped in the soul of Indian artistry.
Sustainability at Its Core
True to Shiro Mani India’s slow-fashion ethos, every piece from Qala is made from 100% biodegradable cotton, free from synthetic blends. “Many fabrics sold as cotton aren’t truly biodegradable — ours decomposes naturally without harming the planet,” Aarushi shares.
The brand also uses natural, azo-free dyes, ensuring each piece is safe for the skin and gentle on the environment. Conscious craftsmanship meets global design in a way that feels both luxurious and responsible.
Our Favourites from ‘Qala’
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Vantara Co-ord Set – effortless sophistication with hand-embellished accents
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Gond Hiran Peplum Top and Skirt – a perfect fusion of tradition and femininity
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Gond Abstract Stripes Lapel Shirt and Skater Skirt – a standout look for modern minimalists
With Qala, Aarushi Garg doesn’t just put Indian art on the runway — she reframes it for the world. At Paris Fashion Week, Shiro Mani India proved that slow fashion can still be high fashion, and that artistry, when rooted in authenticity, always finds its audience.
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