Suits from PN Rao’s Weaves of Legacy
| Photo Credit: C Madan Mohan
PN Rao Fine Suits launched ‘Weaves of Legacy’ a men’s wear collection inspired by the art and tradition of Kanjivaram designs at Sabha on October 7. A curated collection of suits was exhibited at a fashion show, featuring the Autumn/ Winter 2026 collection.
PN Rao was founded in 1923 by Pishe Narayan Rao, as a women’s wear tailoring boutique for Britishers during the pre-Independence era. Today, they are a men’s wear fine suits brand, with a presence in five cities in south India.
The third-generation owners, Ketan Pishe and Naveen Pishe, were present to introduce their collection that reflects both the traditionality of Kanjivaram and the fashion trends of contemporary times.
Ketan says, “Even though today’s youth prefer modern wear, many people still want to be connected to their roots. That is how we started this collection.” For them, the city of Kanjivaram is the muse and inspiration behind their latest collection.
“Kanjivaram has wonderful architecture, temples, culture and colours which are also a part of its legacy and not just its saris,” he says, adding PN Rao incorporated all aspects of the temple town into their line of men’s wear.
Talking about the collection, Naveen says, “We have taken patterns from the motifs on sari borders, and fashioned it in a modern way to suit the male silhouette.”
A suit from PN Rao’s Weaves of Legacy
| Photo Credit:
C Madan Mohan
According to them, the collection can be worn by a 25-year-old as well as a 60- or 70-year-old. “Our tailoring needs of discipline and patience, and our collection has been inspired by that ethos.”
Naveen says, “We decided to not follow existing trends and wanted to create our own mark with this collection.”
The launch event was organised by stylist and choreographer Prasad Bidapa who says, “Kanjivaram’s iconography and symbols are quite strong; the yazhi motifs and temple spires stand for the city and should be used more often in print and weave.” He added every fabric in the heritage of India should be promoted and mentioned the Molakalmuru weaving tradition of Karnataka as a case in point.
Published – October 09, 2026 08:49 pm IST
