HELLO! Exclusive: Krésha Bajaj on her big Dubai debut moment, Samantha Ruth Prabhu's support and future plans

The spotlights shine on India with a beaming glow. The world is watching, not just through the lens of Bollywood glamour but also on the runway of global fashion. As the international gaze sharpens on Indian designers, the country's evolving aesthetic is making waves far beyond its borders. Krésha Bajaj made her debut at the Dubai Fashion Week to showcase her new collection, "The Archive of Hidden Things", a vision come to life blending contemporary and traditional craftsmanship. 

Although intentional (and for good reason), the designer displayed Indian couture reimagined for the new age to the tunes of Kid Francescoli's Blow Up, Parra for Cuva's Wicked Games and Nicholas Jaar's Heavens. "Revelation, obsession and liberation!" said Bajaj on how the soundtrack of her fashion show expressed different chapters of the collection, explaining why each of these songs has a unique vibe, and yet meet at a confluence to bring the show together effortlessly. The music trilogy, however, is just the backdrop against which the show unfolds. The collection, for very obvious reasons, remains the focal point of the designer's milestone show. “Personally, it feels like I’m finally sharing a part of myself with a much wider audience,” she reflects. “Professionally, it’s about showing that Indian craftsmanship doesn’t have to be boxed into ‘ethnic’ or ‘bridal.’ It can be modern, emotional, and globally relevant, and still rooted in slow, handmade processes. This collection is my way of proving that.”

Where India showcases multiple facets in the field of fashion, like an artist in performance, Dubai is the stage. The gateway to Europe in the West and Asia in the East, the strategic location is, in fact, just a bonus. Dubai's unmistakable aura attracts many from far and wide. It's cosmopolitan, glamorous and unapologetically luxurious; subsequently turning this buzzing fashion capital into her canvas and muse. “Dubai is such a mix of cultures, glamour, and individuality, and I think that gave me the freedom to design without boundaries,” the designer explains. Kaftans and modest silhouettes made their presence felt, reimagined through her unique signature style, marrying regional relevance with global modernity.

A garment that she describes as her "personal alter ego" was a striking gunmetal corset dress with hand-beaded panels. “It’s powerful but still vulnerable,” she says, encapsulating the duality that often defines true artistry, a recurring theme in most of her creations from this collection. 

With big dreams come bigger challenges. Krésha Bajaj had an entire set of her own. But did that stop her? Absolutely not. Perhaps a lesson for us all, "letting go of perfection and trusting the process," she said. "I’m used to obsessing over every detail until the last second, and this time, with 27 looks, a new city, and a tighter timeline, I had to trust my team more than ever. And they delivered. Seeing the collection come together piece by piece was incredibly rewarding," she added. 

Many friends of the brand, including Indian actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, were present to support this landmark event, many in ensembles designed by the designer. But if a fictional character were to strut down the runway, the designer had a prompt response: Mrs Maisel (from The Marvelous Mrs Maisel), She’s ambitious, unapologetically herself, and she does it all with so much style and wit.” Much like the collection itself—fearless, unapologetic, and brimming with character. 

Speaking of Samantha Ruth Prabhu, the designer candidly shared how her friendship with the actress is a precious reminder of why strong female friendships are the invisible bond behind such moments on glamorous global platforms. “Sam is incredibly supportive. My wins feel like her wins, and my losses feel like hers too. She’s brutally honest with me, which I value so much. After the show, I was the one who was excited and overwhelmed, but she was the one crying. That just says everything about the kind of friend she is,” she said, thereby proving that Prabhu is both an anchor and a catalyst in the designer's life. 

Looking ahead, the designer’s ambitions extend well beyond Dubai. “I’d love to take our storytelling into cities like Paris and Tokyo, places that really respect artistry and design process. But I also want to tap into new digital audiences through pre-order drops and custom pieces that live outside of bridal. This collection is a start.”

As India’s designers continue to rewrite the narrative of what luxury means, the world is not only watching but applauding. This is the story of arrival. 

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