Varanasi , formerly known under the name of Benaras , is one of the most colorful and fascinating places on earth. Situated on the ghats of river Ganges, is one of the oldest cities in the world and its spiritual character is our brand main inspiration. The life-force of the city attracts people from all over the world due to its calmness and peace. Benaras strives to create pieces, inspired by same understanding, that enable women to relax and breathe, and enjoy the tranquility of feeling one with the universe. The city is situated on the western banks of the eastbound river, right at the point where it makes a sudden turn for the north. Here, the Sun rises perpendicular to the river, creating a burning stream of light that cuts across its width at dawn. Every morning, devotees will emerge from a purifying dip with palms jointly spread out to pour Ganga ji into the burning stream of light. In the offering of water to the Sun God, a unity is achieved between the earth and Sun, between water and fire, between the receiver and source of life, and finally between the soul of man and the universe, the eternal consciousness. Benaras is a name which conjures images and emotions of peace and calm. It is hard to miss the glorious sun rise and the devotees in the water when one thinks of that city. It is that spirit which inspires our Sun marque, as Benaras strives to create resort wear that enable women to relax and breathe, and enjoy the tranquility of feeling one with the universe. Timeless pieces for those looking for comfort and instant chic. The label creates resort and lounge collections with a free spirited feeling for women who are explorers by nature. The collection reflects a subtle balance between Parisian chic and our very own traditional craftsmanship which brings a new life into the collections. The magnetic appeal of natural fibres and embellished by handmade pompoms, well balanced color palettes and accurate details is the signature of the label. The designers Madhu Killa and Rinkle Jain with their team of over 150 artisans work to create their magic with cotton and linen handwoven fabric. Traditional weaving techniques, distinctive and contemporary designs the palette of neutral tones and subtle shades truly reiterates effortless and bohemian city wear.
MADHU KILLA
Madhu is a radio physicist by education, but her passion for design and textile got her into the world of fashion. She left her promising career in radio physics and join National Institute of Fashion Technology, to understand design basics. She launched brand CITRUS in 2007 and showcased her maiden collection at the Paris Fashion Week at the Workshop Salon, where it was very well received by prominent names in the trade like Baycrews and Saks Fifth Avenue. Citrus today retails at the most prestigious departmental stores and multi label outlets across the globe. She has created a unique signature using skilled artisanal resources from India and adopting it for a global market. Her innovations using prints, weaves and embroideries from India, has brought her many accolades. Her hand crafted creations are a perfect antidote to the tech savvy & industrially made products. She started her career with the Handloom Weavers and Fair Trade Weaver’s Society in Bengal, who were working hard to stop the exodus of handloom weavers into other lucrative professions. The first collection was created in 2007, using simple textiles made by these weavers. It was embellished by handmade pompoms, which became the signature of the label. The collection was very well receipt at Paris Fashion Week. Her efforts to integrate and educate the weavers to weave the new designs more apt for the international market has been acknowledged world over. Madhu is an avid and passionate traveller. She travels across continents and time zones very frequently. Her travels provide her with constant ideas and inspiration which are reflected in her collections. She indulges all her senses to draw her inspirations. The travels also enable her to understand the needs of the global market. Her acumen lies in uniquely juxtaposing her inspiration with the artisanal resources and techniques available in India. Like all creators, she wants to venture into the unknown each time and is reluctant about repetition and the mundane. Her design philosophy is quintessentially explorative, experimental and expressive.