What comes to mind when you think of the future? The most basic futurist vision sees flying cars and cyborgs, a world dominated by technology as predicted in sci-fi movies from the 50s and beyond. Bhavya Ramesh, however, extends the limits of our imaginations, reaching into our ancient past to craft an ethereally Indian, innovative new look. 

'Paraloka', Bhavya Ramesh’s latest collection, is where “tradition meets futurism.” We’ve covered the Mumbai-based brand multiple times in the past and we're always impressed by both their unconventional designs and commitment to uplifting local artisans.

This latest collection, however, raises the bar even higher. The Paraloka nail rings, which have become a flagship product for the label, combine geometric lines with delicate gemstones and detailing, while their headpieces use images like swords and peacocks to juxtapose their dainty strings of pearls and crystals. Their ‘Celestial Claw’ is by far my favourite piece from the collection; extending from your wrist to your elbow, the bracelet has a vertebrae-esque structure and is adorned with small pink gems. Each piece gives its wearer a bold yet intricate edge, perfectly balancing tradition and non-conformity.

Bhavya Ramesh also embraced the future by collaborating with everyone’s favourite artist Hanumankind. After rising through the ranks on charts across the globe, the rapper and his collaborator, producer Kalmi, offered their talents and an original song to a Paraloka promotional video. Their music embodies the brand’s mixture of traditional and futuristic elements, drawing us in with what seems to be the call of a shankh and a trap beat that samples Indian temple bells. 

The video was directed by Bijoy Shetty, the same visionary behind Hanumankind’s now-iconic Big Dawgs music video. Men swing at each other with blades while their heads are dripping with jewels, bodybuilders flex both their muscles and their chains, and we’re taken on a trippy journey past Hanumankind’s grills and to a glorious display of Bhavya Ramesh’s best looks. This video is as much of a triumph as the Paraloka collection is, as this intersection of fashion, music, and visual storytelling shows off the best of Indian art. 

Find Bhavya Ramesh’s Paraloka collection here. 

If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown: 

'FILTR' Is An Indian Coffee-Inspired Gin Cocktail From Subko x Stranger & Sons

Shubhankar Rai's Vivid Short-Form Comics Make Existential Dread Surprisingly Palatable

Independent Spaces In Bandra That Are Preserving The Neighbourhood's Homegrown Soul