I think it was through the Pepper House Design Shop in Fort Kochi that I discovered the label, Julia and Sita. I am always in awe of the sheer variety of talent that exists in our country, and how passionate sartorialists like the shop’s curator seem to find them seemingly out of nowhere. But Julia & Sita is a severely underrated brand that has been around for more than a decade and deserves all the eyes. From commissioned art and decor elements to handmade fashion accessories, they have an array of unique products and a striking visual language to boot, Julia & Sita began as a prêt-à-porter venture for sisters Julia and Sita Mahan but has since morphed into the thriving hand-embroidery studio that it is today. 

While they once crafted chic, ready-to-wear collections for modern wardrobes, they now create everything from fun, statement-making brooches, mules and even notebooks, to jaw-dropping interior design objects that blur the line between functionality and art, They are passionate, inspired artists stitching narratives into existence through thread and bead.

Raised in a household deeply immersed in the garment industry, Julia and Sita had fashion in their genes. When delving into their history, I discovered how the label debuted with a "Midnight Collection" that captured the quiet productivity of nightfall, with starry tones and intricate detailing. Even though their prêt offerings gained traction in places like Evolv in Chennai, the sisters decided to go much further in their creative journey with their eponymous label.

They pivoted to becoming a hand embroidery studio, allowing them to delve into their passion for intricate craftsmanship. This move allowed them to dive headfirst into creating pieces as small as whimsical Christmas ornaments and jewellery, to those as ambitious as bespoke jewellery-inspired design objects for clients with a taste for the unconventional. In recent times, they have worked with a traditional Pichwai artist to do a modernised Julia & Sita take on the craft form, and was also part of bringing to life the first Diptyque store in India, with their hand-embroidered peacock feather fabric finding place at the Delhi location inside Chanakya Mall.

But the Julia & Sita Studio isn’t just about objects - it’s about experiences. Whether it’s their intricate hand-embroidered artworks or jewellery-inspired furniture, each piece carries the same meticulous attention to detail that their garments once did. Most recently, Julia and Sita’s work garnered attention at the prestigious design showcase AD Discoveries, where they presented curated objects alongside top architects and emerging talent. Their pieces stood out for their fusion of modern design and traditional craftsmanship.

What sets this duo apart is their ability to bridge cultural and creative boundaries. They have moved far beyond fashion to occupy an exciting niche where handcraft meets utility, and heritage techniques are set to modern interpretations. As Julia and Sita prove, pivoting isn’t about leaving something behind — it’s about weaving new stories into the fabric of your journey. Whether it’s a hand-embroidered tee or hoodie from their website or a custom artwork that lives in someone’s space, the studio brings luxury, craft, and a hint of their signature whimsy to everything it touches.

Follow Julia & Sita here.

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