My Creative Cup of Tea

March 19, 2025

#InPartnershipwithMCCOT

LAÏTE

Paris

France

When it comes to finding your own path, the one that can allow you to fully express yourself and enable your personal and professional blossoming, listening to your heart and choosing what is best for you, is essential. It is the only way towards your true happiness. It usually takes some time and a lot of hard work and dedication to figure out how to get there. But, if you are lucky enough as brilliant Indian fashion designer Saurabh Banka, life will bring you in this direction, organically and slowly because it is what the latter has in store for you. After graduating at the prestigious New-Delhi-based National Institute of Fashion Technology and receiving the award of the best collection of the year in 2007, the young talented creative was advised by some of his teachers to attend a master in Europe to complement his expertise. He then applied to three of the most prominent European Fashion schools and was accepted into the Parisian Institut Français de la Mode where he studied for one year. A formative experience that gave him the opportunity to get an internship at SHARON WAUCHOB. An unconventional Parisian luxury maison of prêt-à-porter where he unexpectedly dived into working with leather and discovered, by chance and fortunately, his future path: the Art of embroidery, In 2009, thanks to this new precious knowledge of his, he joined the team of the fashion brand 'Rue du Mail' established in 2006 by French fashion designer Martine Sitbon. As the person in charge of embroidery, he developed mock-ups and started working closely with skilled Indian embroiderers and craftsmen who are considered to be the best in the world at providing the most luxurious handcrafted embroideries. As a born-and-raised Indian, he was the perfect partner and insider to manage the production. When the brand was unfortunately closed by its owner in 2013 because of financial issues, launching his own business quickly became an evidence to Saurabh. At this time, he indeed felt more than ever ready and self-confident to start developing his creative universe and expressing his inner self. "My heart was telling me to establish my own label' he says. A small independent fashion brand, new proud ambassador of slow fashion that does not follow the trends and whose special and unique signature would be a modern, sophisticated and playful embroidery. A niche label that could be a reflection of his personality and of course, that should be in total harmony with the life values and the human commitments of the open-minded, free spirit, nature lover and genuine human being he is. A happy Parisian by adoption who has chosen to give up to a fast-paced existence, to enjoy a Parisian slow and simple living. As a positive person, Saurabh takes life lighty and with a smile and is grateful for the joy that daily come from all the small little things: The beauty of colorful flowers and trees in the urban gardens and parks, the metropolitan sunsets, listening to the birds singing, wandering through a flea market or fruits and vegetables stalls, shopping at a vintage bakery in his district. An ongoing source of inspiration to nurture his creativity. In 2016, after working a few years as a freelancer for several brands, feeling skilled enough, he finally embarked on a bold and challenging solo journey. He spent two years in his hometown New Delhi to build strong foundations for his incoming business, but also, to ensure a 100 % sustainable, ethical and handcrafted with care in India premium quality to his clientele- a top priority- finding the perfect and trusted production partner. Paying tribute to his beloved homeland, offering exposure and supporting small local workshops where expert artisans in embroidery pass on ancestral techniques and knowhow which have to be preserved and cherished. As a committed trailblazer, Saurabh is willing to push the boundaries of embroidery. LAÏTE (the phonemic script of light) which is an ode to joy and lightness, was officially launched in 2017. It all started with the production of a small collection of refined embroidered square scarves. A true innovation compared to the classical printed ones, already present in large numbers on the market. In September 2019, a small collection of embroidered shirts was revealed. They are still the bestsellers of the brand. The collection S/S 2022 was the first ever collection of ready-to-wear for women. LAÏTE celebrates a daily contemporary casual chic female wardrobe with a one-of-a-kind fresh, poetic and artisanal Indian touch: small funny and precious embroideries. The detail that makes the difference. The items designed by Saurabh are characterized by a delicate, effortless and timeless style and they are easy-to-wear thanks to minimal oversized cuts which allow every movement in total freedom. Comfy exclusively made-to-order (6 weeks for the delivery)- to avoid waste- unique pieces handcrafted in India by expert artisans that you will love to wear and which will make you feel elegant on any occasion. Made with refined noble and natural (cotton, wool) hand-dyeing and hand-woven (in an eco-conscious and ethical way) fabrics. The label also offers the opportunity to customize the garments on demand (choice of the color). As a solo preneur, Saurabh who is supported and represented by the Milanese showroom POINT. guided by Mariapia Bernardis- they met at fair trade Première classe-, is now wishing to team up with a partner who could help him take care of the marketing and communication in the near future. Another work in progress to become reality in the next two years is the launch of a male ready-to-wear collection. A good news for the founder who can't wait to finally wear his creations.