Inside the Bespoke Wardrobe of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace

Before guests discover the frescoed corridors, tranquil courtyards and sweeping views of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, they encounter the people who bring the palace to life. For this 350-year-old retreat in Khajuraho, that first impression has been thoughtfully extended through a bespoke collection of attire created by celebrated Indian couturier Payal Jain. 

Recently recognised as one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace reflects a deep connection to the history, artistry and cultural identity of Bundelkhand. With its restored architecture, immersive experiences, and every detail that has been shaped by a sense of place, the new collection follows the same philosophy, transforming hospitality attire into a visual expression of heritage, craftsmanship and quiet elegance. 

Perched atop the Maniyagarh Hills, Rajgarh Palace carries the legacy of the Bundela dynasty, whose patronage of art and architecture shaped the region’s distinctive aesthetic. Frescoed walls, vaulted passageways and hand-painted details reveal centuries of craftsmanship, creating a setting where history and contemporary luxury exist in harmony.For Jain, the palace itself became the inspiration. Instead of resorting to recreating royal costumes, she looked to the essence of Bundelkhand’s design language; the balance of proportion, texture, ornamentation and restraint that defined the region’s artistic traditions. 

“The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace is a place with tremendous soul and history. The collection was inspired by its architecture, landscape and cultural heritage. Every detail was designed to reflect the spirit of Bundelkhand while creating garments that are elegant, comfortable and timeless for the teams who bring the Oberoi experience to life every day,” says Jain. 

Moreover, the collection draws from the refined traditions of Bundela court attire, where intricate embroidery, woven textures, delicate trimmings and handcrafted details reflected generations of artisanal skill.  While, these influences have been reinterpreted through contemporary silhouettes designed for ease, movement and comfort; the colour palette takes its cues from the landscape surrounding the palace: sandstone beige, eggshell ivory and muted gold echo the tones of weathered frescoes, sunlit stone and the golden light that settles across the hills at dusk. Satin, blended silk dupion, cotton and georgette also bring softness and fluidity, creating garments that feel graceful while remaining practical for the rhythms of hospitality. 

One of the collection’s most distinctive details emerges from the architecture of the palace itself. Inspired by the graceful rhythm of Rajgarh’s domes rising against the skyline, Jain developed a series of hand-drawn architectural studies that were translated into subtle motifs, prints, and tonal embroidery.

Flowing ivory lines layered across burnished gold grounds create a visual language that feels both architectural and poetic. Delicate threadwork accents collars, cuffs, necklines and hemlines, allowing the palace’s forms to become part of the attire itself. 

Yet the collection is more than an exercise in design. Within the world of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, attire becomes another layer of storytelling. Whether welcoming guests upon arrival, hosting dining experiences, guiding heritage explorations or accompanying wellness and wildlife journeys, the team’s clothing reflects the warmth, grace and sense of belonging that define the experience. 

Like the palace itself, the collection carries the imprint of history while feeling entirely of the present. Through thoughtful craftsmanship, timeless silhouettes and a deep understanding of place, Payal Jain’s designs capture the enduring elegance of Bundelkhand by transforming hospitality attire into a celebration of culture, artistry and the beauty of arrival.