The Art of Hospitality: Payal Jain’s Bespoke Uniform Collection for The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Since its launch, The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho has offered guests an immersive experience rooted in the history, artistry, and cultural legacy of Bundelkhand. Recently recognised as one of TIME Magazine USA’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, the palace celebrates a deep sense of place through every detail, including the bespoke uniform collection designed by celebrated Indian couturier Payal Jain. Thoughtfully created, the collection forms an integral part of the guest experience and reflects the elegance, craftsmanship, and heritage that define The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace.
Perched atop the Maniyagarh Hills, the 350-year-old palace has been meticulously restored, preserving frescoed walls, hand-painted details, and architectural elements that tell the story of the Bundela rulers, celebrated patrons of art, design, and craftsmanship. Inspired by this rich legacy, Payal Jain developed an exclusive uniform collection that translates the spirit of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace into a contemporary expression of luxury hospitality.
Drawing from the cultural richness of Bundelkhand and the aesthetic traditions of the Bundela dynasty, the collection embraces a philosophy of understated elegance. Costume traditions from the royal courts, intricate embroideries, woven textures, delicate trimmings, and handcrafted details served as key references, resulting in garments that honour the past while remaining relevant to contemporary hospitality.
The colour palette reflects the landscape surrounding the palace, with sandstone beige, eggshell ivory, and muted gold inspired by weathered frescoes, sunlit masonry, and the golden light that settles across the hills at dusk. Crafted in satin, blended silk dupion, cotton, and georgette, the uniforms balance refinement with comfort, allowing Oberoi colleagues to move effortlessly while maintaining a distinctive sense of elegance.
One of the collection’s most unique design elements draws directly from the architecture of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace itself. Inspired by the rhythm of the palace domes rising against the skyline, Payal Jain translated hand-drawn architectural studies into subtle motifs and patterns that appear across the collection through tonal embroidery, delicate threadwork, and understated detailing. These elements create a visual connection between the palace, its people, and the guest experience.
For women, flowing Anarkali kurtas, layered jackets, kurtis, lehengas, and georgette stoles reinterpret the romance of royal dressing through a modern lens. For men, tailored kurtas, Bundi jackets, elongated vests, and classic bandhgala ensembles evoke the elegance of princely attire while ensuring comfort and practicality.
More than uniforms, the collection serves as an extension of the Oberoi experience. Whether welcoming guests on arrival, curating dining experiences, facilitating cultural encounters, or leading wildlife and wellness journeys, Oberoi colleagues embody the warmth, grace, and intuitive service for which the brand is renowned. The uniforms reinforce this sense of place and belonging, becoming a visual expression of The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace’s story.
Speaking about the collaboration, Payal Jain said, “The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace is a place with tremendous soul and history. The collection was inspired by its architecture, landscape, and cultural heritage. Every detail was designed to reflect the spirit of Bundelkhand while creating garments that are elegant, comfortable, and timeless for the teams who bring the Oberoi experience to life every day.”
Like The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace itself, the collection carries the imprint of history while feeling entirely contemporary. Through timeless silhouettes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a profound connection to place, it celebrates the enduring legacy of Bundelkhand and the exceptional hospitality that defines Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.
