Culture – An Indo-Franco designer shares the most inspiring South Asian experiences in Paris to time with Fashion Week

Paris-based Gundi Studios is building bridges of culture between South Asia and France. Its collections, defined by intricate fabrics, hand-done embroideries, and a deep appreciation for South Asian craftsmanship, reflect the best of both worlds. As the creative force behind Gundi Studios, Natasha Sumant seamlessly merges her Indo-Franco heritage with contemporary design, expertly bringing the richness of South Asian artistry to French fashion’s avant-garde scene.

During one of the most celebrated fashion weeks in the world, Harper’s Bazaar caught up with Sumant to talk about the South Asian creatives, brands, and experiences making an impact in Paris.

On the fashion brand to know

When it comes to Indo-Franco fashion, Sumant is quick to point us in the direction of the luxury brand founded by Charlotte Chowdhury. “Love what Charlotte is doing with her brand Rescha in the Indo-Franco space,” she shares.

Rescha is all about blending French and Indian influences through personal stories and heritage textile techniques. The name itself—Rescha—comes from resha, the Hindi word for yarn, reflecting its focus on craftsmanship. The brand works exclusively with deadstock and sustainable fibres, making each piece as mindful as it is gorgeous.

For jewellery that stands out

Pakistani jewellery designer Zohra Rahman is one of Sumant’s top picks. “I adore her work. Her interpretation of South Asian motifs is so modern and edgy at the same time.” she says.

A Central Saint Martins graduate, Rahman launched her eponymous label in 2014. Her handcrafted pieces merge minimal design with traditional techniques, turning everyday objects into wearable art.

The artists and creatives to watch

For those looking to explore South Asian artistry in Paris, Sumant has a long list of must-know names. “Madhulika Sharma, Shradha Kochhar, Padani—she’s Sri Lankan and beautiful! Avleen K Rai is an amazing painter. Naveli Choyal is genre-breaking with her photography, and so are all the women on this list,” she shares. While not all of them are based in Paris, their work and influence extend far beyond borders. Each artist brings a unique perspective, blending South Asian influences with a contemporary, global aesthetic.

Indian textiles making waves

While still not ubiquitous in major French fashion collections, Sumant notes the rising appreciation for Indian textiles. “I do see that cut dana embroidery is being used a lot again, and the French love block print everything from Jaipur,” she points out. Both styles have a rich legacy—cut dana embroidery, with its intricate hand-beaded detailing, and Jaipur’s block prints, known for their vibrant patterns and artisanal craftsmanship—continue to capture global attention.

On the best South Asian fashion and décor in Paris

For those looking to explore South Asian creativity in Paris, Sumant recommends The Silk Road, Vaishali S, Mohanjeet Grewal, and Deeya Paris—boutiques that showcase Indian craftsmanship through fashion and décor. While these designers and brands may not all be based in Paris, they have boutiques and a presence in the city, making them some of her top picks. She also suggests Matières Premières, a boutique that, while not exclusively South Asian, supports artisans from diverse backgrounds, including the Caribbean and East Africa.

Whether you’re deeply invested in South Asian fashion or simply looking to experience its influence in Paris, Sumant’s recommendations offer the perfect starting point, and there’s no better time than Paris Fashion Week to explore.

Lead image credit: Gundi Studios/ Instagram
 

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