Classy and contemporary, the new fashion den at 121 Park Street, Eeksha, is all about embracing modernity. Creatively helmed by its owner Ashwini Agarwal, the brand tells stories through its creativity, be it in its interiors or designs. It displays a wide range of contemporary styles and contemporised traditional styles at its ground floor store.
What started as a journey almost 24 years ago for Ashwini Agarwal by doing embroideries for international brands such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Kate Spade grew from strength to strength and shaped up as a brand at present with a wide range of couture and pret collections, designed with an influence of contemporary style choices and trends. The skill and craftsmanship that took him beyond borders to renowned international fashion houses, of course, stands out in his collections at the store, too. “I started my journey by transporting embroideries and then ventured into a wholesale business of saris and lehngas. Eeksha, my new brand, is a dream come true and stands for a lot of positive things, like the first rays of the sun or flying birds. Our identity as a brand is modern and caters to everyone with a modern taste in fashion. ‘Modern’ for me is bold and fearless, and our brand caters to people who embrace a similar attitude,” said Ashwini.
Ashwini’s dream project Eeksha, which stands as a sprawling 3,500sq ft store on Park Street, is named after his daughter and means ‘one who is seeking’. The interiors of the store done up thoughtfully reflect the positive energies embodied by the brand, like the ‘first rays of the sun’ or ‘a flight of birds’ symbolising hope and freedom. Intricacy and handcrafted precision are highlights of his exquisite designs that exude elegance and are versatile in style. “Each of our creations is a work of art, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who have honed their craft over generations. Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements to create garments that are timeless, elegant, and soulful. Our styles are rooted in Indian traditions but have a lot of Western influences as I draw inspiration from the days I used to work for international brands. We work with all Indian embroideries but with a modern approach to design. Our forte is bridal wear and cocktail dresses, along with a variety of Indo-western styles for various occasions. Our USP is the cuts, finesse, embroidery and detailing,” added Ashwini.
Ashwini Agarwal
A display section in the middle of the main display room is called the ‘Eeksha Museum’ at the store and displays unique, exquisite and statement designs in the bridal wear category. “The Eeksha museum is a oneof-a-kind experience we offer to our clients. It is specially curated so that people can come and have a look and feel of our most uniquely crafted pieces,” explained Ashwini
The private room inside the store, available by appointment, has a sitting section, changing room and a ramp and mirror featuring the brand’s logo, designed for the guests to try their outfits in front of family or friends. “Our purpose of designing this room was to give the utmost luxurious experience to our clients when they come for purchase,” said Ashwini
Vartika in a mirror-embroidered and fringe-detailed bolero jacket and bralette, paired with a stretchsatin dhoti-style midi skirt. The soothing lilac elevates the classy vibe of the outfit.
The frame featuring occasionwear outfits exuded summer vibesthrough its pastel palette. Diana in a mint green 3D tulip corsetand gown designed with fringes and 3D tulips on the shoulder.Vartika in a chiffon draped sari with a short corset designed withfeathers and chiffon frills.
The entrance leads to the displaysection with a beautifullydecorated sitting section on oneside. The wall features a decorpiece depicting the rising sunreflecting the idea of ‘hope’ thatthe brand embodies. The displaysection has a mix of traditional andmodern colour palettes startingfrom the traditional reds to themore modern pastels and ivories.“My brand stands for everythingthat is modern and caters to themodern bride who channelsconfidence in what they choose towear,” said Ashwini.
The frame was all about glam looks in neutral shades. Diana worea versatile tulle sari with a detachable drape that can be worn as asharara and top too. The sari was paired with a halter-neck featherblouse and a pair of sharara pants. Vartika channelled a smart lookin a high-waisted pleated palazzo and bralette, paired with a ‘powershoulder’ jacket.