Khushi Shah of Shanti Banaras Makes A Case For Slow Fashion For Brides

In a World that is obsessed with extravagant surface ornamentation, Shanti Banaras is redefining the loom as a symbol of opulence, once saree at a time. In a conversation with Manifest, Khushi Shah of Shanti Banaras talks about the importance of craftsmanship, making bridal fashion slower, and how legacy always trumps fleeting trends.

She also talks about her upcoming showcase at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, and what she has in store. Catch the designs (and the designer) in action at the upcoming FDCI Wedding Weekend—it's going to be bigger than ever!

In conversation with Khushi Shah

Manifest: What inspires you to create every day? 

Khushi: I think art, heritage, the beauty of Banaras, and the beauty of the looms! 

Manifest: How are you incorporating the old-world charm in your creations? 

Khushi: So, we're maintaining the old-world aesthetics in the aspect of our weaving, but we're also trying to balance it with the modern aesthetics by making abstract motifs and playing with geometry and wildlife. So, we're just trying to create an interesting balance of both. 

Manifest: What has been your favourite moment of dressing a bride? 

Khushi: This one time I had a bride who came to our store and just fell in love with our playlist. And she was so in love with it that during her wedding day, she played the entire playlist while entering the mandap and during the entire proceedings of the wedding. It was so lovely to see that. And that too while wearing our lehenga, so it was a very special moment for us.  

Manifest: What is your favourite part about Indian weddings? 

Khushi: I think my favourite part is actually dressing up. And dressing up for multiple events, be it the haldi, the cocktail, I think it is quite exciting. And you get to design a lot for that. 

Manifest: What kind of a bride will you be? 

Khushi: I think I prefer to be a very simple bride. I would love to wear a saree and just little makeup and that's it.

Manifest: What fashion trends do you think will dominate this wedding season? 

Khushi: I think in our business, trends aren't as important, and I think the value of legacy and the value of weaving is more important. 

Manifest: What are the things to-be-weds need to know when choosing their look? 

Khushi: I think you have to check the authenticity of the product that you're buying, and the craftsmanship, if you care about that. I think that's truly valuable. And don't go for fast fashion, go for something that's slower, and more heirloom-worthy.  

Manifest: What according to you are standout men’s fashion trends? 

Khushi: I think the standout trends would be more solid, vibrant colors. Lots of sherwanis—I'm seeing a lot of dominant green and yellow, and experimenting with multiple colors without a lot of embroidery on it, which is interesting. 

Photography: Harmeet Singh Sana; Styling: Palak Valecha; Hair and Makeup: Riya Saluja; Videography: Priyanshu Kharb Production: Varun Shah

If you want to explore the best of couture, jewellery and all things wedding, head to the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend this August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Register here.