Inside a recent conversation with the Indian designer who has dressed Bollywood’s A-Listers and made tassels her signature

For over two decades, Payal Singhal has built a world where heritage meets modernity and where individuality reigns supreme. Her eponymous label—defined by its eclectic ease, youthful spirit, and contemporary Indian aesthetic—has evolved into one of the most recognisable names in homegrown fashion. Yet, even after 25 years in the business, Singhal’s enthusiasm remains as bright as her first sketchbook.

“Bringing fresh ideas to life is still my favourite part of what I do,” she says. “Whether it’s developing new embroideries, creating prints, or reinterpreting traditional crafts, I find joy in turning age-old techniques into something relevant today.” For her, creation isn’t just craft—it’s spiritual. “You’re taking something that exists only in your mind and giving it tangible form,” she adds.

The Payal Singhal brand has always celebrated individuality—be it in the people it dresses or the pieces it creates. “Fun, flirty, eclectic and inclusive” is how Singhal describes her world. PS, as the brand is lovingly known, has built its legacy on a sense of ease and freedom that transcends age, size, and occasion. “I want people to feel seen when they wear my clothes,” she explains. “Our goal is to make Indian fashion playful and personal, something that adapts to every wearer rather than dictating how one should look.”

Over the years, collaborations have become an essential part of her creative expression—ranging from jewellery and décor to technology and home gifting. “We’ve always been open to exploring new categories,” she says. “But if I could collaborate with one Indian brand, it would be Good Earth. Their philosophy aligns beautifully with ours—rooted in Mughal inspirations, yet presented with modern elegance.”

This reverence for heritage is what defines the Payal Singhal aesthetic. “Mughal art and architecture have been an enduring source of inspiration,” she shares. “From miniature paintings to garden layouts, the motifs and palettes of that era continuously influence our work.” Yet, she enjoys blending Indian crafts with global references—mixing Mexican embroidery techniques or turning gota into leather-like trims.

And then, of course, there are the tassels—arguably PS’s most recognisable signature. “They’ve always symbolised joy and movement for me,” she says. “They bring playfulness and femininity to every outfit, whether it’s a lehenga or a tie-back choli.”

Behind the vibrant collections and busy show schedules, Singhal’s self-care routine is refreshingly simple. “I don’t have a 10-step ritual,” she admits with a smile. “It’s more about finding moments of calm—sometimes that’s an early cup of coffee, other times it’s time with my family on the terrace. Travel also helps me pause and reset.”

Her creative mantra, fittingly, is “Stay curious, stay inspired.” She believes curiosity fuels creativity: “Inspiration can come from anywhere—art, travel, even a conversation. You just have to stay open to it.”

As for her muses, the list is long and star-studded, but one name holds special meaning. “Shibani Dandekar Akhtar has been a constant muse and friend,” Singhal says fondly. “She embodies everything PS stands for—confidence, individuality, and effortless charm. She’s been wearing us since her New York days, walked for us on countless runways, and even wore us as a bride.”

From the joy of tassels to the discipline of curiosity, Payal Singhal’s story is one of enduring imagination—of finding new ways to make tradition feel alive, and of reminding us that fashion, at its best, is about creating something timelessly personal.

Image credits: The brand

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