A Century of Heritage & Legacy in Every Design: P N RAO introduces collections inspired by The Art of Kanjivaram.
Bengaluru : P N RAO Fine Suits, a ‘design-led’ legacy brand that has a history of over 100 years of journey, introduced the masterpiece collection “Weaves of Legacy”—Timeless Art of the Kanjivaram today. The collection draws deep inspiration from Kanchipuram, India’s historic temple town renowned for its distinct architecture and the centuries-old origin of the ‘Queen of Sarees’. By bringing the intricate designs and cultural significance of Kanjivaram into contemporary menswear, P N RAO seamlessly merges classical heritage with sharp, modern power-suiting. The launch featured showcasing the new collection through a curated fashion show with a captivating live Carnatic music performance.
Founded in 1923, the current P N RAO management is the 3rd generation that is carefully and thoughtfully taking the reins and craftsmanship of the legacy and heritage thus far. With ‘Weaves of Legacy,’ the house enters a new chapter—distinctly design-led, rooted in its heritage yet driven by a contemporary point of view.
At the heart of Weaves of Legacy: Timeless Art of the Kanjivaram is a deep affection for the visual poetry of South India. Inspired by the richness of Kanjivaram, the collection features Dravidian motifs in vivid hues along with intricate patterns and the timeless artistry found in temple architecture and sculpture in the region. The Yazhi motif, peacock, lotus, elephants, and intricate ornamentation found in centuries-old temple carvings are reinterpreted through a contemporary menswear lens. Rather than simply borrowing from tradition, P N RAO captures its spirit—transforming familiar symbols, colours and textures into expressive silhouettes and unexpected details. Each piece becomes a quiet celebration of where we come from, interpreted with a modern, design-led sensibility.
On the launch of the collection, Mr Ketan Pishe, Partner, P N RAO, Fine Suits, said, “Weaves of Legacy” reflects our dedication and commitment to our business journey and contribution to the suit segment, with Kanjivaram’s opulence, artistry, and visual language translated through the signature sensibility of P N RAO. We have explored its vivid palette, intricate geometry, and cultural symbolism to create a new chapter for contemporary menswear. AW 2026 represents a defining shift for us—more experimental, more design-conscious, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Every look is intended to feel assured yet effortless, bringing together tradition and modernity with nuance, sophistication, and a distinctly individual character.”
The philosophy is particularly fitting for a house whose own story spans generations. For P N RAO, Autumn Winter 2026 marks an exciting evolution into a more design-led house, with a distinctive visual language rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and considered design. Founded in Bengaluru in 1923 by the late Pishe Narayan Rao, the house has evolved from a modest M G Road store into a name synonymous with bespoke suiting, quality, and precision. Today, its legacy continues across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Hubli, Coimbatore, and Chennai.
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