Detangle with Anjul Bhandari

A hand-embroidered garment that takes two years to complete. A 70-year-old artisan who walks eight kilometers every Saturday, arriving exactly at 4pm to deliver his work. A designer who refuses to stock small sizes because she believes fashion should celebrate real bodies. Welcome to the revolutionary world of Anjul Bhandari. The "reigning queen of all things Lucknowi “ doesn't just create exquisite Chikankari embroidery – she's reimagined what luxury fashion can be through a business model that puts artisans first in every decision. Unlike most designers who negotiate prices down, Anjul maintains a strict "no rejection policy" where whatever price an artisan quotes for their work is what they receive, without question. This commitment to fair compensation directly impacts her pricing, but she makes no apologies. Her dedication extends beyond fair pay. Anjul Bhandari intentionally works with craftspeople over 60 years old, particularly men practicing Kamdani embroidery, recognizing these master artisans are often marginalized once they age despite their irreplaceable knowledge. She celebrates body diversity by starting her sizes at medium and extending to XL, challenging fashion's obsession with unrealistic proportions. "Why can't a woman look beautiful in a size medium? I don't understand." Most revolutionary is Anjul’s perspective on sustainability. She argues Indians have always practiced sustainability by treating textiles as heirlooms passed through generations. "We want to make sure that the world follows us and we do not follow the world," she states, inverting the narrative that sustainability is a Western concept being taught to emerging markets. In an age where AI and mass production dominate, Anjul reminds us that true luxury comes from human connection – between maker and material, between artisan and designer, between garment and wearer. Her collections, with names suggested by the artisans themselves, represent a radical reimagining of fashion's future by honoring its deepest traditions. Follow on Instagram @detangle_by_kinjal