Priya Patil on Craft, Legacy & Paris: A Let’s Expresso Conversation

1. Every entrepreneurial journey begins with a moment of conviction. What inspired you to enter the world of luxury menswear, and what gave you the confidence to build your own brand?
Menswear was always instinctive for me. After nearly two decades in fashion and a decade of that in the film industry— I realised it was where my voice felt most authentic.
I saw a gap in formalwear: it was either excessive or overly restrained. Three years ago, I brought together my experience as a stylist and a designer to launch my label. The vision was to create a brand that offers complete, refined formalwear for the modern man— pieces that feel personal and  timeless.

2. Luxury menswear is both an art and a discipline. How would you describe the philosophy that defines your work and the kind of man you design for?
Luxury menswear is indeed both an art and a discipline, and my philosophy lies in balancing the two. I’ve observed that men approach fashion as an investment—much like they would a car or a home. There is the intention behind every purchase.
In India, awareness around luxury menswear is still evolving. Many of my clients are discovering, often for the first time, the nuances of fabrics, yarn counts, and the distinction between fine suiting and regular garments. I see education as an integral part of my role— it empowers clients to make informed, meaningful choices.

The modern man today seeks both style and comfort. This led me to create three distinct lines within my label:
• Lofty Luxe– structured, occasion wear
• Relaxed Luxury – comfort-driven formalwear with softer construction
• The Spirit Edit – a complementary expression of inner individuality

The man I design for appreciates luxury, values comfort, and sees his wardrobe as an investment in both style and lifestyle.

3. Every designer’s journey includes moments of doubt and challenge. What were some of the most difficult obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in the early years was bridging the knowledge gap around luxury menswear. My design language is clean, classic, and understated— it relies on fabric, fit, and finish rather than surface embellishment. A significant part of my journey involved educating clients— helping them understand the difference between standard and luxury suiting, introducing them to fine fabrics, and guiding them through the nuances of craftsmanship. Once they understood, their confidence in investing in quality naturally followed.

4. Fashion is an intensely competitive industry. What strategies or principles helped you establish credibility and carve a distinct identity in the luxury menswear space?
I wish to build my identity on consistency, craftsmanship, and restraint— letting quality and clarity speak louder than trends.

5. How important was formal education or structured learning in shaping your design perspective and entrepreneurial approach?
My education played a significant role in shaping both my technical foundation and creative perspective. I studied at NIFT in India, where I developed a strong understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, and production. I later studied at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, which broadened my creative outlook and gave me the confidence to experiment and take risks. That said, I strongly believe that real growth comes from experience. Working on the ground, navigating challenges, and continuously learning through practice is what truly shapes a designer and entrepreneur. Even today, in a digital-first world, I remain a tactile designer. I value the in-person experience— clients engaging with fabrics, understanding the garment, and feeling the craftsmanship. For me, the ideal approach is a balance between structured education and hands-on learning.

6. Fashion evolves rapidly with new techniques, technologies, and global influences. How do you continue to update your skills and stay relevant in an ever-changing industry?
While the industry is constantly evolving, my approach is rooted in timelessness rather than trend cycles. I don’t strictly follow the traditional spring/summer and autumn/winter calendar. Instead, I focus on creating pieces that transcend seasons—designs that remain relevant year-round. Moving forward, I envision presenting one collection annually that embodies this philosophy. In a fast-paced, trend-driven world, there is enduring value in consistency and authenticity. I believe that if your work is rooted in skill and clarity of vision, it will always find its audience. Timeless design will never lose relevance.

7. Luxury menswear often balances heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation. How do you integrate tradition with contemporary design in your collections?
I reinterpret tradition through restraint. A silhouette like the Jodhpuri carries history, but through fabric and finish, it can feel entirely contemporary. For me, luxury lies in what you don’t overstate.

8. Running a successful design house requires both creativity and leadership. What have been your biggest lessons in leading and mentoring a creative team?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success is built on the strength of a team. It’s not about doing everything yourself, but about bringing together people who excel in their respective areas. I focus on identifying individual strengths and allowing each team member to take ownership of their craft—whether it’s tailoring, finishing, or specific garment components. Excellence comes from specialisation, not from trying to make everyone do everything. Equally important is timing— delivering quality within deadlines. My experience in the film industry taught me how to manage teams efficiently under pressure. For me, leadership is about trust, clarity, and creating an environment where both creativity and discipline can thrive. I believe in building a team where individual strengths are recognised and elevated. True craftsmanship is collaborative— it’s never a singular voice.

9. Many young designers aspire to enter the luxury fashion space. What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to build sustainable and respected brands?
Pursue excellence with discipline. Luxury is not created—it’s refined, detail by detail.

10. As you look toward the future, what excites you most about the evolution of menswear and the opportunities for designers in India and globally?
The global lens on India is sharper than ever. There’s a quiet confidence in our aesthetic now— one that’s being recognised and reinterpreted worldwide. It’s an exciting moment to be part of that narrative.

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Thank you for reading. I’ll be back soon with another powerful story. Until then, keep learning, keep growing and take care of yourself.

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If you’re ready to invest in your next level of growth, connect with me at Tanya@Variaabl.com to schedule a conversation and explore a program that aligns with your aspirations and elevates your journey.