Weaving Heritage Into Modern Luxury

The British Indian designer redefining occasion wear with timeless Indo-Western elegance

Growing up in Britain within a traditional Indian household, Rekha Mistry’s world was filled with colour, craft and cultural connection. “Being British Indian and being brought up in a traditional Indian family has been a wonderful, rich upbringing,” she reflects. “We often travelled back to India to visit extended family, and this was always such a lovely experience.”

It was her grandmother who first ignited her passion for Indian fashion. “My grandmother and her love of sarees is what first got me interested in Indian clothing,” Rekha recalls fondly. “She used to have tonnes of sarees pouring out of her wardrobe, and I loved seeing all the colours and fabrics. The time I spent helping her choose sarees for different events was so precious-I cherish those moments deeply.”

When her grandmother passed away, Rekha found a meaningful way to carry her legacy forward. “I inherited some of her beautiful sarees and had them made into gowns, that way I will always have a part of her with me. Her clothes carry so much sentiment, nostalgia, memories and meaning. I find it fascinating how I’m wearing a piece of her history and carrying that forward into modern times.”

Those memories, stitched with love and history, would one day become the creative thread behind her eponymous fashion label, Rekha Mistry.

Rekha’s grandmother ignited her passion for Indian clothing. Today, her business is blossoming

Rooted in Heritage, Styled for Today
“My Nani and Nana have gifted me precious heirloom pieces that I treasure dearly. I love that aspect of Indian culture – the core values of family, love, celebration, respect and nostalgia.”

Growing up in the UK while spending so much time with her grandparents gave Rekha a unique perspective. “I learned so much about Indian heritage and traditions through them,” she says. “I always loved going to their house and listening to their stories about life in India.”

Her brand is a natural reflection of this dual identity – honouring her Indian roots while embracing her modern British sensibilities. “As I got older, I felt there was no clothing out there that was versatile enough to wear more often,” she explains. “Indian occasion wear consisted of sarees and lenghas, which you could only wear at very special occasions. This was what inspired me to create an occasion wear label.” Rekha Mistry’s designs are created for the modern British Indian woman – one who loves her heritage but lives in a global, contemporary world.

A Fusion of Two Worlds

“I wanted to design clothing that resonates with British Indians like myself – pieces that you can wear to weddings, dinners, or even pair with Western styles for a unique look.”

Each Rekha Mistry piece captures the effortless harmony of East and West. Her silhouettes are sleek and modern, while her intricate embellishments pay homage to Indian artistry.

“There were many designers creating fusion wear, but most leaned more towards Indian styles,” she explains. “I felt there was a real gap in the market to create Indo-Western clothing that incorporated more Western elements, such as structured tailoring and clean silhouettes, while still celebrating Indian embroidery.”

Her debut collection features delicate jasmine motifs, a subtle tribute to the flower. Rekha weaves this symbolic bloom into Western-inspired gowns and separates, creating a poetic fusion of two cultures.

Her colour palettes draw inspiration from her mother’s saree collection, her embroidery from British and Indian florals, and her craftsmanship from the meticulous detailing of Indian couture.

Modern Luxury, Timeless Design

“Our brand stands for sustainability – timeless pieces that can be restyled in different ways and worn on multiple occasions.”

Rekha Mistry’s creations are not just beautiful – they’re versatile, wearable and designed for longevity. Her philosophy is simple: luxury should be meaningful and sustainable.

Her mix-and-match separates allow women to create endless looks. “Now, British Indian women can create a unique look with each combination and elevate every occasion,” Rekha says.

Her designs have become a go-to for brides and wedding guests alike. Brides can invest in the pieces as part of their wedding trousseau. “For example the Kiara Skirts and Aaina Tops work for Mehndi and Sangeet functions. The Jasmine Tulle Gown is great for a reception,” explains Rekha. “The tops can also be mixed and matched with other lengha skirts and Western trousers/ skirts for honeymoon/ resort wear after their wedding. The pieces work really well for functions that the new bride would be invited to after her wedding too. The Aaina Tops and Aaina Drape Skirts would make beautiful bridesmaid outfits,” Rekha adds.

Each item in the collection is ready-to-wear, available in sizes UK 8–16, ensuring accessibility without compromise on craftsmanship or style.

A Legacy Reimaginedsign

“I just knew I had to pursue my own passion and launch my own Indian-inspired modern luxury fashion label. It’s infused with the rich heritage of my family’s Indian traditions that are so precious to me.”

For Rekha, every creation is an homage to her family and the generations that shaped her. “Rekha Mistry has been my passion for the last six years and I am thrilled to see it come to life,” she says proudly.

Her collections celebrate the beauty of heritage while reimagining it for today’s world – Indian at heart, British in spirit. “I’ve taken care to weave the story of India and Britain into my designs,” she says. “They reflect who you are – your story, your heritage, your style.”

Through her label, Rekha Mistry has achieved what few designers manage – creating a timeless bridge between tradition and modernity, where every piece tells a story of elegance, emotion and evolution.

Rekha Mistry: Where heritage meets contemporary elegance.
Follow: @rekhamistrydesign
www.rekhamistry.com