Royal Fables Is Back With Another Edition—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

With the festive and the wedding season round the corner, we find ourselves in the midst of a flurry of exhibitions that bring together fashion, jewellery, decor, and art. However, few offer the opportunity to experience India’s royal legacy through the eyes of those who have inherited it. Enter: Royal Fables. The Royal Fables exhibit, a celebration of the crafts conserved by the royal families of India, is a one-of-a-kind exhibition of fashion, jewellery, and art that comes directly from the royal lineages. Drawing from the traditions, ateliers, and palaces that shaped India’s royal culture, the exhibition brings regal heritage into the present. As Royal Fables gears up for their 16th edition happening on 19th August, in Delhi, founder Anshu Khanna speaks to Manifest about what we can expect from the upcoming showcase.

In conversation with Anshu Khanna of Royal Fables

Manifest: Take us back to the inception of Royal Fables. Where did the idea originate from?

Anshu Khanna: It germinated from the many interactions I had with young royals whom I met as a writer. Their sense of pride in their legacy, sharp eye for design, and commitment towards revival hit home; and whilst consulting a leading luxury platform, I created this exposition as a moment to celebrate the handcraft legacy of Princely India.

M: This is the 16th edition of the Royal Fables. Tell us about the evolution of the exhibit.

AK: It's been a quiet evolution; from the first exposition where we had 15 royal and noble families participating, to today, when we have more that 30 royal families and over 40 legendary Indian studios participating. I think the property has become a synonym for quiet luxury, and a symbol of slow fashion. We are responsible for helping many palace studios come alive. We brought the spotlight back on royals and their culture of patronage and are happy to see how they have become the toast of the town.

M: What can we expect from the Royal Fables exhibit this year?

AK: There are many great stories. For one, Punjab, with its rich embroideries, will be in the limelight. We have woven, beaded and embroidered saris from every region: Kanjeevarams, Patan Patolas, Bandhej, Parsi Gara, brocades, tissues and of course, the chiffons: printed, embroidered and embellished with chantilly lace. We will begin with the launch of the documentary series ‘Royalty Beyond Opulence’, directed by award winning film-maker Vinky Singh, supported by Royal Fables. We will also present a showcase by wedding designer Meeit Bhatia. The evening will come to an end with Sunehari Shaam, an ode to Sona Chaandi by Shilpi Gupta, featuring a baithak by Soma Ghosh.

M: Tell us about the categories you’ll be covering this year, and the kind of brands you have on board.

AK: As always, we will cover all the bastions of heritage design—paintings from the folk realm that were promoted within palace karkhanas, weaves that are our soul, vintage Indian fashion, hand embroideries, organic fashion, and homes that relive the Raj Era. Collectors can view the museum-like vintage collection of Atul Jewellers, acquired from Princely families and private collections. Those who believe that diamonds are forever, are sure to love the spectacular diamonds curated by Nanagram . Combined with emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls, these pieces recreate jewels of the Raj. Our favourite heritage studio, House of Shilpi Gupta, throws the limelight on Thewa, a jewellery-making technique practiced in Rajasthan, rendered on tissue saris that are also woven in gold. We also welcome Raisal Art by Thakur Shatrunjai, an interior design story that is uniquely colonial. 

M: Who is this exhibit for?

AK: This exhibit is for anyone who takes pride in our legacy and wants to keep the handcraft legacy of India alive.