Towards the end of August, an assembly of editors, stylists, celebrities, and socialites drifted onto the lawns of Rambagh Palace for a special evening. The dress code was “glam black” or “cocktail black” or “delicious black”—the point being that everyone had to be decked in black and look glam. Thankfully, everyone did. Glasses were clinked, shots were downed, pleasantries exchanged, and introductions made. There was much discussion on how humid the weather was—always a welcome topic during an awkward pause in conversation, or when someone made the same joke for the third time.
Jaipur was playing muse to Punit Balana’s 10th-anniversary celebratory showcase, though the showstopper of the night was Ananya Panday, dressed in a gulabi gulal lehenga embroidered with chaandi tille ka kaam. Balana’s signature coin embroidery was evident in most pieces, as was gota patti, which lent its famed lightness and charm to the ensembles.
The collection showcased at Rambagh Palace was titled Amer, named after the city’s architectural jewel, Amer Fort. A segment inspired by Sheesh Mahal added further soul to the assemblage. The night ended, as it so often does in Jaipur, with new bonds formed over shared cigarettes, one too many glasses of vodka, and compliments passed around.
In an exclusive interview with Esquire following the successful evening, the designer spoke about his 10-year journey, the launch of his Jaipur flagship, and the advice he’d give to the Punit Balana of 2015.
Looking back at your 10-year journey, which design or collection challenged you the most, and what did it teach you about your own style evolution?
Every collection comes with its own beauty and its own set of challenges. But if I had to pick one, it would be Lakshmi in 2022. With that collection, we introduced many new shapes and silhouettes, which not only added freshness and fun to the designs but also shifted the brand’s direction. It truly changed the perspective and idea of what Punit Balana could be.
With the launch of your Jaipur flagship, how do you see physical retail shaping the narrative of your brand in a digital-first era?
I don't think a store is just a point of sale. It's a space that reflects the brand story and ethos. In Jaipur, we wanted the flagship to feel like walking through the brand itself. Physical retail allows people to experience craft, texture, and detail firsthand. It gives the story depth and intimacy. Customers don’t just buy a garment, they feel the journey behind it too.
Reflecting on a decade in fashion, what has been the most pivotal lesson in sustaining a brand while staying true to your creative vision?
Consistency and patience. Craft-led fashion takes time. I’ve learned that you can’t rush heritage, and you can’t compromise on quality for trends. Listening to your instinct, respecting artisans, and staying true to your design language creates trust both with clients and with the craft itself. That’s what sustains a brand over time.
What’s a memory from your first atelier or collection that never fails to make you smile?
It’s a very sweet and funny story from when I was working on my first Lakmé Fashion Week collection. I was under so much pressure since it was my debut that I felt I had to create something “out of the box.” In that state of mind, I started working on designs that didn’t resonate with me at all. They didn’t reflect my craft or my identity; in fact, they were quite ridiculous when I look back at them now. When I showed them to my stylist, he gave me one piece of advice that completely changed my perspective. He said, “You don’t have to do something extra just because it’s Fashion Week. Stay true to yourself, stay true to your craft. Do what you’re good at, and what feels authentic to you.” That advice has stayed with me ever since. Even today, whenever I’m working on a new collection, I think back to that moment.
If you could step back into the Punit Balana of 2015, what advice or encouragement would you give yourself?
I’d tell myself to worry less and enjoy the ride a little more. Back then, I was anxious about every small detail, but in hindsight, those very risks and stumbles are what shaped the brand. Trusting my instincts earlier would’ve saved me a lot of sleepless nights.
