Chhau by Shanti: A Myth Reimagined in Motion

Tradition Meets Modernity

In its latest campaign, Chhau, luxury label Shanti steps into the sacred space between tradition and modernity. Rooted in the dynamic energy of one of India's most powerful dance forms, the campaign reinterprets Chhau's mythological storytelling through the lens of contemporary fashion.

This is more than a collection, it is a visual poem of identity, memory, and movement, brought to life in sarees that embody theatrical vibrance while honouring heritage. The campaign exemplifies how luxury fashion transcends traditional boundaries to create meaningful cultural narratives.

A Collaboration with Guardians of Culture

Shanti partners with twelve Chhau artists from Saraikela (Jharkhand), Purulia (West Bengal), and Mayurbhanj (Odisha), communities where dance, land, and life are inseparable. These performers, custodians of a living tradition, become collaborators in a collection that merges ancient performance with modern textiles.

The Philosophy: Three Sacred Pillars

Shanti frames this campaign around three guiding pillars that resonate with both Chhau and the brand's ethos:

• Nature as the Teacher The Chhau artists move in rhythm with seasons and soil mirroring Shanti's reverence for natural cycles and sustainable craft.
• Community as the Strength Like the dance form passed down through generations, Shanti thrives on long-standing partnerships with artisan communities, ensuring ethical practices and shared heritage.
• Heritage as the Resistance Once a martial art, Chhau now stands as cultural armor. In the same spirit, Shanti's work protects traditional Indian handloom from erasure, transforming it into a living, evolving legacy.

A Campaign as Cultural Testimony

Shot by Pranoy Sarkar in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, the visuals capture Chhau practitioners in their villages surrounded by the landscapes that gave rise to their art. The sarees become more than garments; they become living archives of storytelling, weaving together myth, land, and modern identity.

"True fashion transcends aesthetics. It carries stories, preserves memory, and honours those who dedicate their lives to keeping culture alive."

Khushi Shah, Creative Director of Shanti

About Shanti

Founded in 2019 by siblings Khushi and Amrit Shah, Shanti is a luxury fashion label based in Varanasi, renowned for its authentic Banarasi sarees woven with real gold and silver zari. Named after their grandmother, whose love for fine saris inspired their journey, Shanti merges age-old techniques with contemporary design. With flagship stores in Varanasi, Delhi, and Mumbai, the brand continues to redefine Indian handloom luxury for a global audience.

The brand's commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship places it among the most innovative fashion brands preserving heritage while creating contemporary luxury experiences. Like other successful luxury brands, Shanti understands that luxury redefinition requires cultural authenticity and meaningful partnerships with traditional artisans.