After working around the world in the industries of fashion and business for years, Shwetambari Mody—fine artist and painter based in New York City for the past 20 years—has returned to her love of art and design with the creation and launch of her namesake lifestyle brand. Shwetambari Mody is a designer with a mission to showcase the luxurious and artistic side of India. With each Shwetambari piece, there is the richness of Indian craftsmanship, where the emphasis on the intricate details of Mody’s culture allows for her heritage to be seen and felt. To blend contemporary style with traditional elegance through a collection crafted with passion and inspired by tradition—that’s Shwetambari.
Shwetambari’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, Advaita, was recently released for fashion week, and delves into the Hindu philosophy of Advaita, a concept that sees all things as interconnected in a singular, inseparable unity. Advaita is about the unity of opposites, an idea that runs through the collection, with masculine fabrics meeting feminine silhouettes, and while black and white create tension, oxblood is the pulse that ties it all together. Being more than what meets the eye, Advaita is not just about colors, shapes and fabrics, but about how contrast brings depth. Mody stated, “The designs balance structure with ease, groundedness with freedom, showing that even within duality, harmony can exist. This collection has pushed me to move beyond division and explore the threads that unite everything.”
The Advaita collection is an homage to ancient thought as well as a visual exploration of the delicate balance between seeming opposites such as light and dark, chaos and calm, tradition and innovation—elements that converge in a daring interplay, crafting a narrative that transcends dualities. Mody added, “I’ve never really considered myself a spiritual person, but recently, my search for balance—both within myself and in the world around me—has led me to reflect on dualities, the way we often see opposing forces like light and dark or good and evil. The truth is, both of these exist within us. What I didn’t know is that this idea lies at the heart of the Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures)—a concept my father has been exploring for the past few years, called Advaita, or non-duality. It’s crazy how the universe seems to align when you start focusing on something. Diving into this philosophy has resonated with me in a deep, almost instinctive way and has served as an inspiration for this season.”
The Advaita collection is a study in balance, crafted with precision and intention, with textural elements like fil coupé and intricate knots representing the complexities of existence, while structured outerwear symbolizes strength in reconciliation. Matchstick embroidery and beaded threadwork are at the forefront, mirroring the process of integration and self-discovery, while quilted textures add depth, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern sophistication. The designs embody the eternal tension and resolution between polarizing forces, merging them into a harmonious whole. The Advaita collection invites the wearer to embrace their multifaceted nature through each piece, finding strength and beauty in the balance of opposites.
Although the most recent collection of Shwetambari has to do with an Indian philosophy, remember, for any collection, Indian artistry is through and through. Mody said, “India has always been my muse—its landscapes, flavors, scents and spirit shape my designs, weaving each piece into a story that reflects its beauty. Embroidery, natural dyeing and weaving are the soul of Indian artistry, but for me, it’s not about replication; it’s about refinement. We strip tradition down to its essence, keeping the handwork, textures and imperfections that give it life. It’s about honoring the past while pushing it forward—making it bold, fresh and relevant.” And despite the eye-catching colors and materials, India’s artistry is also nuanced, raw and refined all at once. It’s a play of contrasts—ancient yet constantly evolving. Tradition involved in the pieces are not just static; it moves, breathes and adapts.
Even with the people Mody works with, most Shwetambari pieces are hand-finished by some of the most exquisite artisans and craftspeople, sourced within the Indian subcontinent. Mody mentioned, “Talent in India is everywhere—often quiet, often unnoticed, yet deeply rooted in history and tradition. I seek out these hidden gems, artisans whose work isn’t loud but speaks volumes, bringing their unique voices to the forefront. That’s the side of India I want people to see.” Mody makes sure that her team involves creativity, authenticity, curiosity and a collaborative spirit, having said, “ I’m drawn to people who push boundaries, who aren’t afraid to break the mold but also know when to let things breathe. People who are unafraid to make mistakes.”
As for her own incorporations of art into her collection, Mody finds it to be instinctual, with art showing up in the way fabric moves, how textures interact and in the little imperfections that make something feel alive. Mody said, “I’m always playing with contrast—structure versus fluidity, precision versus spontaneity. My paintings often become prints in my collections, adding something raw and personal. It’s about finding that tension and making it feel effortless.” Mody’s love for design began with textiles, so in her designs, she chooses to prioritize natural fabrics like silk, cashmere and cotton—always seeking the perfect balance of breathability and softness against the skin. Mody said, “Silk, in particular, fascinates me—strong yet delicate, structured yet fluid. Embroidery, too, carries the artisan’s hand and the weight of tradition while leaving room for reinvention. It’s the textures, the imperfections—those little details—that draw me in.”
When thinking about what’s next for Shwetambari, Mody said that the focus right now is on refining, deepening its presence in the locations it is currently at, strengthening partnerships and pushing the design language further. With the business side of fashion, Mody said that it’s been a process, with learning, unlearning and figuring things out as she goes. Creativity drives her, but business is what keeps her grounded, having understood early on that vision alone isn’t enough, but needing structure and strategy is just as important. The balance is knowing what to protect and where to adapt—an ongoing process, but one that keeps Mody sharp and curious. Mody said that expansion for Shwetambari will happen naturally but always with the same intentionality. The brand is still evolving, but Mody hopes that in 10 years time, Shwetambari becomes a strong global presence, known for its thoughtful design and honest craftsmanship, having stated that, “The goal isn’t just to build a brand—it’s to create something lasting. But it’s step by step, always.”
Shwetambari is for those who embrace duality—heritage with a modern edge. Mody said, “We craft pieces that feel effortless but make a statement, blending artisanal craftsmanship with a contemporary attitude. It’s not just fashion; it’s timeless art—pieces that last, evolve and move with you. We fuse India with NYC, the old with the new, creating something that feels just as relevant now as it will in the future. Every piece tells a story.” In regard to how she wants people to feel wearing Shwetambari, Mody added, “Comfortable, confident, untamed—like themselves. I want my clothes to feel like a second skin—effortless yet commanding, sensual but never overdone. Confidence comes from within, and the right piece should move with you, not just on you. Fashion is more than self-expression—it’s a daily choice. So why not make it fun?”
