As a longtime admirer of Raw Mango, I have been captivated by the brand’s ability to weave intricate narratives into its collections. Each collection and campaign feels like a journey, inviting us to explore the cultural richness of India through the lens of contemporary fashion. With a new collection, Garland Festive 2024, Raw Mango continues this tradition of storytelling, drawing inspiration from the profound symbolism of garlands in Indian culture.
Designer Sanjay Garg shares how the concept of garlands emerged as a central theme for this new collection. “There is a difference between flowers and a garland—the act of stringing them together changes their meaning completely,” he explained. This idea encapsulates the essence of Indian culture, where garlands are not just decorative but are integral to various life events—from births and weddings to celebrations and blessings. They represent emotions and connections, serving as an architectural element in our daily lives. Garg’s vision for Garland goes beyond aesthetics; it acknowledges the unique Indian narrative surrounding these symbols. “Such a simple symbol has so many forms and meanings,” he remarked, highlighting how garlands can reflect personal stories and collective traditions.
One of the most poignant moments in the development of this collection was when Garg and his team translated the concept of garlands into textile design. “Understanding how it is going to translate into brocade and as a weave is very different from typical motifs,” he noted. The collection features an array of lehengas, saris, and kurtas adorned with intricate embroidery on brocade, complemented by contrasting colour appliqué. The colours chosen for Garland—gulkand rani inspired by desi gulab, petal pink from lotus, mogra white, and raw green mango leaves—evoke a sense of celebration and joy that is intrinsic to Indian festivities. The attention to detail in the designer’s vision is evident in the use of jaal (continuous repeat patterns) and kuniya (corner motifs), creating a distinct visual language that resonates with tradition and innovation.
The collection also draws inspiration from folk traditions, mainly through the vibrant performances of Kanhaiya Dangal. Garg describes the performers as embodying the essence of a garland themselves—dancing in circles and singing in harmony—bringing Rajasthan’s rich cultural tapestry to life within the celebration.It is a dialogue between personal expression and cultural narratives. For Garg, navigating personal expression within his work while honouring collective cultural narratives is paramount. He views garlands as an entry point into conversations about convention, conviction, and belief. “Raw Mango’s perspective is shaped by my personal expression,” he explained, emphasising that his designs reflect current social issues while remaining rooted in tradition.
A significant association I have with garlands and, of course, designer wear is weddings, especially as weddings in India have become increasingly diverse. Garg shared his views on the topic and believes that there is no single representation of Indian weddings and that we must embrace all voices. “A red sari or lehenga is not the only way to get married,” he stated. This philosophy is reflected in Raw Mango’s approach to design, where products are not segmented into bridal or wedding categories. Instead, they encourage individuals to express their unique identities through fashion choices.
At its heart, Garland – Festive 2024 celebrates the coexistence of traditional and contemporary elements within Indian culture. It in fact captures the real side of weddings—the love, conflict, laughter, and compromise that define intimate relationships—allowing couples to define their own versions of culture. This collection is a homage to love and identity.
Looking at the collection , I am reminded that fashion can be a powerful medium for storytelling. Through Garland, Raw Mango invites us to embrace our identities while honouring our heritage—a beautiful reminder that every garland tells a story waiting to be shared.
