Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship has long been synonymous with heritage dressing. But in the hands of a new generation of designers, it’s being reimagined for contemporary occasion wear. Dar‑e‑aab by Sonia K. Mahajan weaves age-old Kashmiri techniques like Sozni, Tilla, and Zardozi embroidery into silhouettes that feel lighter, easier, and infinitely more versatile. These are outfits that carry the soul of the Valley’s artistry but speak fluently to the modern woman’s calendar of weddings, festive soirées, and everything in between.
At Dar‑e‑aab, behind each piece is a network of master artisans from Kashmir, many of whom have worked with the label for decades. For founder Sonia K. Mahajan, preserving these techniques goes hand in hand with preserving the livelihoods of those who create them. It’s this blend of heritage, craft, and purpose that shapes the label’s vision for modern occasionwear. If you’re drawn to the elegance of Kashmir but want pieces that will fit seamlessly into your modern wardrobe, you’ll find it here.
Heirloom lehengas for the new-age bride
Every bride wants to feel like royalty on her wedding day, which is perhaps why the bridal lehenga remains such an enduring icon. This season, that royal allure comes with a fresh twist. Ferduous, Dar‑e‑aab’s latest collection, takes the grandeur of heirloom Kashmiri craft and translates it into lehengas that are lighter, freer, and made to move with you. From intimate mehendis to big fat Indian weddings, these designs bridge the gap between the ceremonial and the wearable.
Translating to “paradise,” Ferdous is all about handcrafted embroidery, rich zardozi, and intricate motifs that recall the splendour of courtly attire, reinvented through an unmistakably modern lens. The collection features jewel‑rich palettes and unexpected pairings like lilac with antique gold or ivory edged in muted copper.
Unapologetically opulent in craftsmanship, yet made for the ease and energy of today, this is bridal couture that bridges centuries. These lehengas are heirlooms in the making, designed to hold the memory of your big day and carry forward into the lives of those who come after you.
Silhouettes you didn’t see coming
There’s something spectacular about pairing a sharply tailored jacket with the classic drape of a sari—it’s a contrast that feels fresh, confident, and impossible to ignore. Dar‑e‑aab’s latest edit leans into this play between structure and softness, pairing jacket blouses with sarees, long jackets with fluid lehenga skirts, or layering embroidered pieces over lightweight kurta sets with rich, textural depth. These pieces aren’t designed for a single wear; they’re hand‑finished separates meant to be reimagined: today with a saree, tomorrow with denim. It’s an approach that opens up new ways to wear heritage craft with styling that fits into an ever‑changing wardrobe without losing the artistry. Each silhouette takes the language of Kashmiri craft and rewrites it for a modern wardrobe, proving that tradition doesn’t have to be predictable.
The new mood for prints
Printed sets are having a moment in occasionwear, offering the perfect middle ground between dressy and comfy. Flowy ensembles, coordinated layers, and prints that tell a story are stepping out of the everyday and into the festive wardrobe. Dar-e-Aab’s new Pret capsule introduces sets with digitally rendered Kalamkari-inspired motifs that can be styled for various events. In their fluid forms, these breezy suits offer the best of both worlds—artisanal charm and modern ease.
Visit Dar‑e‑aab by Sonia K. Mahajan at The Wedding Collective and take home a piece of Kashmir for your festive wardrobe.
