Why Paris remains a creative muse for Delna Poonawalla

For Delna Poonawalla, Paris is more than a destination on the fashion calendar. It is a living source of creative inspiration, where couture, architecture, art and craftsmanship come together to shape the way she sees design. Her time at Paris Couture Week offered a chance to reconnect with that energy, from the intricate details of the runway to the city’s timeless visual language, influences that also found their way into her latest collection, Sacred Geometry.

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A city of creative energy

For Delna Poonawalla, Paris has always represented a meeting point between fashion, art, architecture and culture. Her time in the city during Couture Week offered an opportunity to immerse herself in that world once again. “Being in Paris during Couture Week is always an extraordinary experience. There is a certain energy in the city at this time that is difficult to replicate anywhere else,” she says. Beyond the runway, Poonawalla found inspiration in the city itself, from the way people dress and interact with fashion to its architecture and appreciation for artistry. “Couture, to me, is about much more than clothing. It is about patience, craftsmanship and the ability to create something truly individual. What I found most compelling was the diversity of creative interpretations. Every designer brought a distinct point of view, yet there was a shared appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship,” she says. Paris encouraged her to consider fashion as part of a larger conversation around art, architecture and personal expression, rather than as something that exists independently.

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Sacred Geometry takes shape

That relationship between fashion, art and architecture comes through in Poonawalla’s own collection, Sacred Geometry. Drawing from nature, architecture and art, she translates these elements into sculptural silhouettes, intricate detailing and patterns while retaining softness and movement. “There is a deliberate contrast between precision and fluidity throughout the collection,” Poonawalla explains. At the heart of the collection is her belief that luxury is rooted in craftsmanship and intention, with geometry serving as more than a visual motif. It becomes the language through which each piece is constructed. “For me, couture should not feel distant or inaccessible. I want to take couture to every Indian and allow people to experience the beauty, craftsmanship and emotion that goes into creating it,” she says. Sacred Geometry is part of that larger vision, bringing together artistry, structure and individuality in a way that speaks to the modern Indian woman. "Sacred Geometry celebrates individuality, confidence and the beauty of knowing who you are,” she adds.

Paris as a design language

The connection between Paris and Sacred Geometry is particularly significant. Walking through the city, Poonawalla found herself noticing the patterns, symmetry, repetition and proportion embedded in its architecture. Historic facades, wrought iron details and grand architectural structures became subtle references for the collection, without being translated into literal interpretations of Paris. “Paris also reminded me that true elegance often comes from restraint, allowing craftsmanship, form and detail to speak for themselves,” Poonawalla says.

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